Frank Mojah Dzuwa 

Mafco FC head coach Stereo Gondwe blamed poor officiating for his side’s 3-0 defeat to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a TNM Super League match played on Tuesday at Kamuzu Stadium.

The result saw Bullets extending their lead at the top of the standings to 49 points, seven ahead of second-placed Mighty Wanderers, who have 42 points from 18 games.

Speaking after the match, Gondwe said the officiating did not match the level of the game, describing the referees’ performance as disappointing.

“This is not the right way that we are playing football in Malawi. If you see the first half, we lost the game in the first half, we lost concentration and nothing we can say. We don’t have any problem, but the problem is the referee,” said Gondwe.

Gondwe also expressed concern over the short preparation time his side has before their next fixture against Chitipa United, blaming the long distance from Blantyre to Chitipa as a challenge.

On the other hand, Bullets assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa said their attention has now shifted to the upcoming Blantyre Derby against Wanderers on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium.

Chirwa said they are focused on collecting maximum points and avenging their first-round defeat to the Nomads.

“Our eyes are now on the Blantyre Derby this Sunday. Our focus is to collect maximum points and redeem ourselves after Wanderers defeated us 1-0 in the first round,” he said.

Hasani Kajoke scored a brace while Babatunde Adepoju netted the other goal as Bullets maintained their grip at the top of the TNM Super League table with 49 points from 20 games.