Wa Ganyu
Nigerian striker, Babatunde Adepoju scored two goals and created another as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets beat Moyale Barracks in a nervy encounter to reach a back to back final in the FDH Bank Cup.
In the first domestic match played under floodlights in a very long time, Bullets coach, Kallisto Pasuwa made five changes to the side that beat Red Arrows in the CAF Champions League just three days ago.
He brought in Blessings Mpokera, Frank Willard, Stanley Billiat, Ephraim Kondowe and Chawanangwa Gumbo, having rested Clyde Senaji, Gastin Phodo, Lloyd Aaron, Precious Sambani and Yankho Singo.
On the other hand, straight from a 2-0 loss against Mighty Tigers, coach Pritchard Mwansa rested Jimmy Vivuyu, Raphael Phiri, Black Allisen and Prince Phiri. In their stead, he had Emmanuel Allan, Peter Ng’ambi, Bornface Chuma and Clifford Chimlambe.
Contrary to Pasuwa’s expectation of a slow game from his charges that had plates less than 72 hours prior to this game, they were out flying forward on the pitch, in search of an early goal.
But where it mattered, it was Moyale who made the first attempt on goal. The cup’s leading scorer, Emmanuel Allan tested Richard Chimbamba in the 15th minute when he released a powerful shot that was well saved.
Bullets efforts were rewarded after 21 minutes when Babatunde benefited from a fine exchange of passes to sprint free on the right wing and feed Ephraim Kondowe who slotted the ball home to give the red and white a lead.
Four minutes later, Bullets were back on the gas pedal, exploiting the left side of Moyale. This time, Willard spotted Billiat who quickly created space for himself to release a dangerous ball to Babatunde in the box. And the Nigerian made no mistake. He doubled the Bullets’ lead.
Despite falling behind, the soldiers still had a fight with them. After 33 minutes, Mwansa brought in Chifundo Damba for Bornface Chuma to find their way back into the game. With three corners cleared by Bullets and some brilliant football, the referee Mayamiko Kanjere blew his whistle for recess, with the game at 2 nil in favour of Bullets.
When the second half started, Moyale picked up from where they left. They were the new Barcelona. Clifford Chimlambe and Peter Ng’ambi were all over the central midfield, forcing Bullets’ Ronald Chitiyo out of play.
Moyale’s efforts paid off in the 53rd minute following a fine passage of play. This time, it was their main man, Allan, who connected to Chifundo Damba’s cross to head into goal, leaving Chimbamba rooted to the ground.
After the goal, Moyale knew everything was possible and they pushed in numbers for their deserved equaliser. Sensing danger, Pasuwa pulled out Chitiyo for Aaron in a successful bid to win back the midfield.
But the soldiers were on a peacekeeping mission, throwing all balls forward to test Bullets’ at times shaky defence. They kept pressing forward for that elusive equaliser, but unfortunately, they forgot Babatunde behind them. They forgot the popular saying, ‘Bata n’kumadzulo’ (Bullets fire at night).
With 71 minutes played, Babatunde was wondering about in his half when he received a stray ball which all football wisdom would say hold and pass. But Baba had other ideas. He sprinted forward, sending Mwale, Maneno and Lovemore Jere to the floor before he rounded off goalkeeper Olise Nkhwazi to shoot from a very tight angle and send the stadium into frenzy.
Knowing the job had been done, Pasuwa brought in Sean Mcbrams and Precious Sambani for Billiat and Kondowe.
Watch Pasuwa https://fb.watch/u6Xcx_VcKX/ and Mwansa https://fb.watch/u6X9PIjQPk/ interviews after the match here.
