Rachael Kaphaizi
After two derby fights, coach Meck Mwase is yet to paint Blantyre blue. Since he was confirmed as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers head coach on September 22 this year, he has lost all derby battles.
Mwase has been interim coach at the Lali Lubani side since the sudden departure of Burundian tactician, Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan on May 27 this year.
His first derby was in the FDH Bank cup at Kamuzu Stadium where he lost 2-1, with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets scoring through Babatunde Adepoju and Sama Thierry Tangonj with a consolation goal.
Come his second derby, now in the league, Mwase was again done by the same margin. 2-1 it ended with Ronald Chitiyo and Adepoju scoring for Bullets and Tangonj gave Nomads a deserved face saver, putting their seasonal dreams in disarray.
Nomads needed a win to give themselves a chance of cutting into Silver Strikers who lead at the top with 50 points, and eventually wrestle the league title for the first time in seven years.
A defeat to Bullets leaves Wanderers still in the shadows of the Bankers, second with 44 points and Bullets is third with 40 points. Silver has a game in hand and it is a derby, against Civil Service United.
Mwase was visibly disappointed with today’s outcome saying his boys could not play according to plan.
“This is a setback; we started the game badly in the first half and conceded two goals. This is a big blow to our title race. This was a game in which we planned to work hard,” he said.
Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa said it was a motivation to his boys as they have been dropping points and performing badly in the league.
In their previous league meeting, Isaac Kaliati scored in the 20th minute only for Patrick Mwaungulu to level matters in the second half. Today, Bullets finished it all in the first half.
In other matches, Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu City Hammers played a goalless draw while Chitipa United surrendered their lead to draw against Dedza Dynamos had 2-all.
Lineups:
Wanderers:
William Thole, Lawrence Chaziya, Stanley Sanudi, Timothy Silwimba, Ahamadu Kung’unde, Felix Zulu, Dan Kudonto, Isaac Kaliati, Wallace Adam, Wisdom Mpinganjira and Sama Thierry.
Bullets:
Richard Chimbamba, Yamikani Mologeni, Nickson Nyasulu, Gomezgani Chirwa ©, Chrispin Mapemba, Yankho Singo, Ronald Chitiyo, Wongani Lungu, Chikumbutso Salima, Maxwell Phodo and Babatunde Adepoju.
