Moyale hold Big Bullets to goalless draw in TNM Super League opener

Written by  Yamikani Simutowe

Moyale Barracks on Saturday fought gallantly to restrict TNM Super League defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets to a goal-less goal in a balanced match played at Kamuzu stadium.

Moyale Barracks Moyale Barracks
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The match, being an opening match for this year's K90 million TNM Super League season, attracted a huge crowd, mainly Bullets fans, who call themselves as the "Red Army".


TNM officials, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Walter Nyamilandu, Super League of Malawi (Sulom) President Innocent Botomani and other football administrators also graced the launching ceremony.


Despite producing no goals, both teams created numerous scoring opportunities with worst culprit being Bullets forward Muhammad Sulumba.

Sulumba, who last week punished his former team (Wanderers) in FAM Charity Shield, missed a penalty that was awarded to the People's Team after advancing Mussa Manyenje was fouled in the box by Moyale Barracks defender.

 

Bullets were a good side in the first half where they dominated and largely tormented the visitors defence and their goalkeeper Juma Chikwenga was a marvel to watch as he occasionally denied Bullets attacking machinery several scoring opportunities with his superb saves.


However, Moyale came out a rejuvenated side in the second half and were strong in defence and midfield, rendering Bullets midfielders to ball chasers.


Bullets should also thank bother their goalkeeper Enerst Kakhobwe and Moyale's blunt forwards.Moyale goalkeeper was eventually named man-of-the-match and went away with a trophy from the league's sponsors, TNM.


Speaking after the final whistle, Moyale Assistant coach Charles Kamanga expressed contentment with the result considering it was their first game.


"Much as we wanted full points, a draw is a fair result. The boys played well and we will have to polish some areas where we lacked the killer punch. Otherwise, i am impressed with their performance this afternoon and we look forward to collecting full points in our next assignment," said Kamanga.


While Bullets FC coach Franco Ndawa lamented the lost points but expressed optimism that his side wil be able to get the full points in subsequent fixtures.

Ndawa also said he missed the services of forward Chiukepo Msowoya, last year's top scorer.


"We had good chances especially in the first half but we failed to utilize them thereby dropping vital two points. A win would have given the boys more momentum, but still am happy with their performance," said Ndawa.

In other games played on Saturday, Kamuzu Barracks and Civo FC settled for 2-all draw while Mafco FC have started the super league campaign with a 1-0 win over Mzuni FC.

 

Action continues on Sunday with Silver Strikers hosting Mighty Be Forward Wanderers at Silver stadium while Azam Tigers will battle it out with debutants Max Bullets at Kamuzu stadium.

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