FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 2-1 Red Arrows
Wa Ganyu
In a season characterised by draws and losses, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets gave their fans a second half and an afternoon to remember when they came from behind to beat Zambia’s Red Arrows 2-1 in the first leg of the preliminary rounds of the African Champions League at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe.
Pasuwa’s side had looked to be heading for Champions League defeat when Ricky Banda benefited from some high school defending by Bullets defenders to connect to a loose pass from Brian Chilimina in the 57th minute of the game.
The goal came after a first half of hit and miss by Bullets who had their fair share of chances in front of goal. Including some half ones. But Babatunde and his striker partner for the afternoon, Gastin Phodo, could not deliver the goods, before the Zambians went in front and ran to the stands to dance in front of what was largely part of the 20 000 Malawians who thronged to Bingu.
But Babatunde had other ideas. The lanky forward came into the game in the second half and after Bullets went behind, he was red hot, looking for a goal.
For this spectacular equaliser, Aaron Banega won possession at the centre of the park before dancing past Arrows midfielders to release the ball to an advancing Yankho Singo.
Knowing there was no time to waste, Singo spotted Babatunde just outside the penalty box. Using his strength, Babatunde pushed the defender aside before releasing a powerful shot that left goalkeeper Charles Kalumba with no choice, but to watch as the ball danced into the net and levelled scores.
At this point, matters were left in the hands of Mr reliable, Precious Phiri to have a final say. Lo and behold, he had, not just a word, but an entire statement of intent for the struggling Bullets.
A late arrival by Bullets
It had been so close to being another failed afternoon, a common statistic for Bullets this season.
A central midfield of Singo and Aaron, flanked by Zimbabwean Ronald Chitiyo and Precious Phiri. They tried, in the opening half’s 10 minutes, to dictate the tempo of the game and push it into the visitors half, but with nothing to show.
The Super League champions struggled to show anything like their best form. Gastin Phodo had shots blocked and headers off target. Precious Sambani, returning to the starting line-up after some time away saw crosses cleared. Babatunde sent a few of his chances to the stands. Bingu Stadium and the red army waited patiently.
But when the opportunities did come towards the end of the first half, they came for Red Arrows. Godfrey Ngwenya thought he was shooting on an empty goal at 30 minutes. Whatever happened was some fine piece of drama, those blunders that can finish off careers.
Bullets goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba made a late decision to leave his line to attack a flicked ball in his box. Had he known. Skilfully, Ackim Mumba quickly rounded Chimbamba off before squaring the ball to Ngwenya whose weak finish ended in the hands of a fast diving Chimbamba who made amends.
Again, Arrows came in search of a goal, this time, Brian Chilimina picked the ball from outside the 18 yard box and sent a volley that was saved by Chimbamba.
By the time the referee blew the whistle for half time, Red Arrows coach, Chisa Mbewe was convinced that a goal, and perhaps victory, was within reach in Lilongwe.
Immediately, he brought in his captain, Saddam Phiri for Cedrick Onyumbu to further attack the misfiring Bullets.
Like many times this season, in the 55th minute, what Pasuwa feared happened. Sambani and Cylde Senaj ball watched, allowing Banda to dribble past them before sending Chimbamba the wrong way to make it one nil to Arrows.
Then they came again and again, chance after chance, with either Chimbamba or the woodwork saving Bullets from capitulation.
Immediately after Arrows scored, Pasuwa decided it was time for his secret weapon, Ephraim Kondowe. But he would not go alone, so he sent him in along with Stanley Billiat, withdrawing Chitiyo and Phodo who had a dismal afternoon.
With the changes, Bullets got their rhythm back. Exploiting spaces and running at Arrows with pace, mindful of time. And it paid off at the 77th minute when Babatunde wrestled his way to stay clear and pounce on goal.
While Babatunde wanted to run and celebrate with the Bullets faithful, Sambani pulled him back, a reminder that they still had a job to do.
If Arrows expected Bullets to take comfort in being at par, they were wrong. Pasuwa’s men kept asking questions. And good ones for that matter.
Mbewe, in a quest to hold Bullets, threw Ciel Ebengo and Derick Bulaya for Ngwenya and Banda, but that could not stop the damage.
Bullets won a freekick in the 82nd minute which was quickly taken by Billiat. Arrows, defending in a rather shambolic way, could not fully clear the ball, landing on Phiri who expertly volleyed the rebound to send Bingu Stadium into delirium.
After 90 and some added minutes, Bullets had secured a 2-1 victory, their first at home in a long time.
“We knew it was going to be difficult, but we have lost. When you play in the champions league, you do not need to allow goals, you need to be tight at the back,” said Arrows coach Mbewe, bemoaning the lost opportunity to return home with an advantage. Watch Mbewe’s interview https://fb.watch/u2RT-Bd7u0/
On his part, Pasuwa said he is hopeful his charges will use their experience of playing away at hostile venues, especially in Democratic Republic of Congo, to withstand the pressure in Lusaka this coming saturday.
Pasuwa will be praying that the FDH Cup semi final on Wednesday doesn’t leave him with any injuries. Watch Pasuwa’s interview https://fb.watch/u2R-g0Gq0G/
