FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have emerged victorious in the Blantyre City Derby, defeating their arch-rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
First-half goals from Ronald Chitiyo (7th minute) and Babatunde Adepoju (40th minute) secured the win for Bullets while Wanderers’ consolation came in the 87th minute from Cameroonian Sama Thierry Tanjong.
After Wanderers conceded, they were quick to make substitutions in an effort to change the game, bringing on players like Felix Zulu, Wallace Adam, Gaddie Chirwa and Francisco Madinga.
Timothy Silwimba of Wanderers came close to scoring, hitting the post. Bullets also narrowly missed an opportunity when Chikumbutso Salima’s shot was blocked by Ahmad Kung’unde.
In the 83rd minute, Wanderers were reduced to ten men after their captain Lawrence Chaziya received a second yellow card for pushing referee David Chinoko, who had just shown him the first yellow.
Crispin Mapemba for Bullets was awarded the Man of the Match accolade.
Despite the defeat, Wanderers remains second on the TNM Super League log table with 44 points while Bullets are third with 40 points.
Wanderers coach, Meke Mwase, attributed the loss to fatigue.
Bullets coach, Calisto Pasuwa, noted that his team capitalised on their chances in the first half but conceded the late goal due to a lack of possession in the closing minutes.
Elsewhere, Chitipa United drew 2-2 against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos and Moyale Barracks were also held 0-0 with Mzuzu City Hammers.
This means Dedza Dynamos are 11th with 29 points while Chitipa United are 14th with 19 points. Mzuzu City Hammers are 4th with 40 points and Moyale are 7th with 33 points.
League action will continue on Sunday as Silver Strikers, who are on top with 50 points, will face 5th-placed Civil Service United at Silver Stadium, a Lilongwe Derby.
Creck Sporting will lock horns against Karonga United. Mighty Tigers will battle Chitipa United and MAFCO will be up against Baka City.
