By Lusekero Mhango
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets moved three points clear at the top of the TNM Super League after earning a hard fought 0-2 away win against Karonga United on Saturday.
Wongani Lungu and Ephraim Kondowe struck in each half to secure the vital three points in the title race, which intensified following bitter rivals and closest title challengers Mighty Wanderers shock 2-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Mzuzu City Hammers, effectively opening the door for Bullets.
The match, played in front of a packed Karonga Stadium, started cautiously as both teams appeared wary of making early mistakes.
The first real moment of excitement came in the 31st minute when the visitors launched their opening meaningful attack, which resulted to a Babatunde Adepoju clever flick which found Lungu, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to silence the vociferous home support.
Karonga sought to respond, but chances were limited.
Robert Luhanga came closest for the hosts in the 71st minute, but his effort failed to find the net.
Despite dominating possession in the second half, Karonga struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with Bullets defence holding firm.
In a surprising tactical move, the Blantyre based giants replaced their top marksmen, Babatunde Adepoju and Chikumbutso Salima at half time, but Kondowe added a second in the 86th minute, capitalizing on a communication breakdown between the home side’s defenders and goalkeeper to tap in the ball into the empty net to seal the three points as they bid to regain the title that they lost to Silver Strikers last season.
In a post-match interview, Big Bullets assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa, expressed delight in his side’s display and defensive setup in the win.
“We were really solid at the back and took our chances when they came hence we are really pleased with the win,” he said.
However Karonga United coach, Oscar Kaunda, lamented his side’s lack of composure in front of goal in the defeat.
“We are playing well but missing a lot of chances which happens in football but we will learn and come back strong in the next game,” Kaunda said.
With the win Bullets move to 59 points from 26 matches while Karonga stay in fourth with 40 points from the same number of games.
