Malawi TNM Super League: Mponda returns to haunt Silver

Adepoju Babatunde (in front) scored the only goal for Bullets. Photo Credit: Nyasa Big Bullets

Coach Peter Mponda led FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to a 1-0 win over TNM Super League holders Silver Strikers on Saturday afternoon to haunt his former employers.

Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju scored the only goal of the league opener to stun Bindu National Stadium crowd in Lilongwe. Bullets were dominant against a home side that was slow and meek in attack.

Adepoju threatened in a counterattack when he twisted past two Silver players only to place his effort off the the far post. There was no denying the Nigerian five minutes later as he profited from Precious Sambani's blunder to slot the ball into the net. Goalkeeper George Chokooka's delivery had found the ex-Bullets man Sambani who conceded possession under pressure.

Silver responded in a counterattack that ended with dangerman Binwell Katinji pulling the trigger but Bullets defenders threw themselves down to block the effort. Silver coach Mgangira responded by withdrawing Sambani and Shema with Dan Sandukira and Festus Duwe. Duee fired from range to force a corner kick three minutes to break.

The hosts pressed for the goal in the second half with Vunga controlling the midfield while Bullets sought to manage the game and avoid conceding.

Starting line ups:

Silver: Chikooka, Maxwell Paipi, McDonald Lameck, Precious Sambani, Uchizi Vunga, Chimwemwe Idana, Chikondi Kamanga,  Chinsisi Maonga, Zebron Kalima, Innocent Shema, Binwell Katinji.

Bullets: Richard Chimbamba, Blessings Sambani, Wongani Lungu, Chikumbutso Salima, Jovinala, Lloyd Aaron, Yankho Singo, Joseph, Maxwell Gastin, Ephraim Kondowe, Adepoju