Nyasa Cup withdrawn
Nyasa Big Bullets and Zimbabwe giants, Dynamos drew 0-0 at Civo Stadium on Sunday during a pre-season match that saw organisers withdrawing what was initially meant to be Nyasa Challenge Cup.
Bullets left the Lilongwe stadium without a trophy, which was withdrawn after Dynamos demanded US $7,000 (K5 million) as the cup prize in addition to the agreed US$ 2,500 (K2 million) appearance fee.
Bullets vice-general secretary, Kelvin Moyo, on Sunday confirmed that Dynamos only pocketed the appearance fee after agreeing to play on a pre-condition that the trophy be withdrawn.
Bullets won the two legs 1-0.
Sunday’s game was Franco Ndawa’s second assignment as Bullets head coach.
Dynamos made wholesale changes to the squad that lost 1-0 to Bullets in the first match in Blantyre on Saturday, whereas Bullets also rested some players.
Mohammad Sulumba partnered Chiukepo Msowoya upfront, but they were kept at bay by Dynamos’ defence pillar, Sydney Linyama.
However, Bullets bossed the midfield where they featured Bashir Maunde, Henry Kabichi, Dalitso Sailesi and veteran Fischer Kondowe.
At the back, Emmanuel Zoya and John Lanjesi also had a grand game, and dictated proceedings.
Both teams failed to create goal scoring opportunities, but Dynamos hit the post twice in the first half through Richard Kawondera and Kenneth Bulasi.
Bullets also showed some hunger when Sulumba’s glancing header hit the crossbar with goalkeeper Reynes Ashley beaten.
Portugal trialist, Carlos Brancos, only lasted 20 minutes on the pitch for Dynamos as he was substituted with an injury.
During the game, Bullets made five substitutions, bringing in Diverson Mlozi, Nyikiza Aimable, Davie Ng’ambi, Amadu Makawa and Yamikani Fodya but the move had little impact.
In a post-match interview, Bullets team manager, Rahim Ishmael, was pleased with the performance of the team.
“It was a wonderful performance from the players. All the new players coordinated well with their teammates despite training with the team for few days,” Ishmael said.
Dynamos coach, Paulo Silva, praised his charges, saying it was a successful tour of Malawi.
“We lost the first match but the players gave everything in the second game. So far, Bullets gave us good games and we have enjoyed the games,” Silva said.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
