The Maravi Post

LILONGWE--Two second half goals from former Escom United players Hesston Munthali and Chimango Kayira were enough to help Big Bullets secure maximum points in the TNM super league at Balaka stadium on Sunday.
Fresh from a comfortable win in the Standard Bank Cup final preliminary round, Bullets went into this match as favourites.

In the first half, both teams failed to create real goal scoring opportunities. The real chance of the half came in the 5th minute when Spacer Chapantha’s curled free kick forced Bullets goalie Owen Chaima to make an early save.

In the second half, Bullets started on a brighter note putting Escom’s defense on task as they persistently pressed for an opener. The most notable moment was when Fischer Kondowe combined with Hesston Munthali and the latter saw his effort hit the post.

Few minutes later, Munthali wasn’t to be denied his goal though, as he put in a neat finish, to put his side in front, 1-0.  But Bullets’s lead was short-lived as Manase Chiyesa connected Bernard Harawa’s well weighted cross to make it 1-1.

Munthali  proved to be thorn in the side of his former team. Bullets would soon come in front following Chiku Kanyenda’s free kick which found Munthali who set up Chimango Kayira--2-1.

Escom tried hard to force for a draw through Bernard Harawa and Chapantha but they failed to break down Bullets’ well marshaled defense.

After the game, Bullets coach Eddie Ng'onamo said: “We have won the game but in the first half we didn’t play well. I think fatigue got the better of them (the players) but at halftime I told them to up their game and they responded very well. I am very happy that we have won and this game will boost our confidence going into the Presidential Cup final.”

His opposite number, Charles Manda, conceded defeat.

“We prepared well for the game but we lost. We have to go back…and correct our mistakes. We know that we stand at the bottom of the log but we still have three games so will try to do something in the [to] improve our position.”
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