The Maravi Post

BLANTYRE--It was a clash of Titans as age old archrivals Big Bullets FC and Mighty Wanderers battled it out at a packed Kamuzu Stadium Saturday afternoon in a Carlsberg Malawi Charity Shield match which was played as part of the Carlsberg Cup launch.

Indeed, it was a grudge match which Bullets vowed to win, and win they did thanks to a 70th minute Heston Munthali lone goal which sent the northern terraces occupied by Bullets supporters into a rapturous din and shaking on their foundations.

Last time the two giants met in a TNM Super League match at the same venue, the Nomads beat Bullets 3-2 and Bullets were out to avenge that defeat. Both teams are bankrolled by brewers Carlsberg Malawi Limited to the tune of K15 million a year each.

Bullets man-of-the-moment Gabadini Mhango put Heston through with a flawless pass on the left flank where he made no mistake to power the ball into the net for the all-important goal.

Earlier in the second half, Mhango himself was guilty of having his penalty spot kick saved by the Nomads custodian.

After the goal, Bullets came wave after wave in a bid to widen the goal difference but the Nomads defense marshaled by captain Foster Namwela stood firm to deny their opponents the luxury of scoring more goals.

The Nomads threw everything into the game towards the end of the second half in a desperate effort to salvage a draw, but this time their archrivals, who have of late upped their game, were not in any compromising mood.

With a few minutes to the final whistle, Namwela was red-carded by referee Francisco Scova for an off-the-ball incident. The decision sparked ugly scenes and the match was stopped for several minutes after Wanderers supporters threw objects onto the pitch in protest against the red card.

For winning the derby, Bullets carted home the Carlsberg Shield and a cool K500 000 in prize money.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.