Bullets reach Carlsberg Cup final
A third minute strike by former South African based professional Jimmy Zakazaka was just enough to take Big Bullets FC to the final of the Carlsberg Cup football competition at the expense of rivals Mighty ‘Nyerere’ Wanderers whom they defeated 1-0 in a tough match played before a big crowd at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, Saturday, July 26, 2014.
From the word go, Bullets came firing from all angles and were rewarded just three minutes into the game when Zakazaka brilliantly connected home a cross from Mussa Manyenje.
As if they were nursing hangovers from the Carlsberg Street Bash that went all night long up to the morning hours, the Nomads continued struggling and committing defensive blunders- thank heavens they did not concede a second goal.
Both sides made changes in the second half with Bullets bringing in Henry Kabichi for Tozgowere Kumwenda and Ian Chinyama for Dalitso Sailesi while Wanderers brought in Mike Kaziputa and Khumbo Ng’ambi for Tsanzo Dalio and Luka Milanzi. Victor Mpinganjira was also rested for Kondwani Kumwenda as Bullets’ scorer Zakazaka paved way for defender Chiku Kanyenda in injury time.
The blues were a changed side after the second half changes but they still could not find a formula to beat Bullets’ defence and Vincent Gona in goals.
Wanderers coach Gerald Phiri, who at this time last year was on the opposite bench conceded defeat after the whistle.
“It was a good game but a mistake at the very beginning has cost us the game. However, I am not disappointed with today’s performance. The boys are picking up after a very poor start to the season and the future looks good,” said Phiri.
His counterpart Elia Kananji praised his charges for playing to instructions.
“I am happy that the boys are listening what we are telling them and if they continue like this, we are going to have a very good season.”
Commenting on the prospects of facing either Kamuzu Barracks or Zomba United in the final, Kananji said his boys will have to put an extra gear in the cup final- despite the fact that they will be playing at home.
Zomba United and Kamuzu Barracks meet in the second semi final at Kamuzu Stadium Sunday.
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