Bullets beat Dragon to progress to the next round of CCL

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have progressed to the next round of the Caf Champions League qualifiers for the first time since 2015 after overpowering Equatorial Guinea’s side, Dragon FC in both legs.

The People’s Team have been failing to cross the first round of the Preliminary Stages in their last three attempts but on Sunday afternoon they broke the hoodoo after recording a healthy 3-0 win on aggregate over the Central African side. After recording a 2-0 win in Malabo, Bata, Bullets scored the only goal in the second half through super substitute, Ephraim Kondowe who replaced Maxwell Phodo.

In 2015, their journey was ended by Kenyan side, Gor Mahia after being booted out on penalties at the Kamuzu Stadium before being beaten by Zimbabwe’s FC Platnum. Amazulu FC railed from behind to snatch a win at the Bingu National Stadium before Simba SC thumped them 4-0 on aggregate.

Following their win, the 16-time Super League Champions will now start preparations for the second round double-legged tie against the Five Time Caf Champions League winners, TP Mazembe of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Skiddy Lanjesi Nkhoma was a threat to Dragon FC’s defence as he was finding it very easy to open it up. Providing Kondowe with an assist for the only goal just spiced up his day.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets showed flashes of their attacking prowess early on, Precious Phiri found Anthony Mfune whose head was headed away by the visitors.

In the early stages of the game, Dragon’s defence seemed to be penetrable and Gomezgan Chirwa twice opened it up with their profligacy pushing them.

Kalisto Pasuwa suffered strikers set-back before the first leg as Hassan Kajoke was ruled out due to injury that he sustained against Mafco FC, Phodo stepped up in the first leg but in the second leg he was nowhere near his best.

Pasuwa made three changes to the team that won 2-0 in Malabo as Precious Sambani sustained an injury and he was replaced by Precious Phiri. Anthony Mfune was in for MacFarlane Mgwira while Chawangwa Gumbo replaced Blessings Mpokera.

Lanjesi Nkhoma remained in the starting Xi and he was a dangerous man for the people’s team. Most Bullets’ attacks were coming through his channel.

Bullets nearly grabbed an opener inside 15 minutes when Gomezgan Chirwa who finished the game as the Captain after Fodya’s red card, swung the ball in and Senaji thundered it wide with the goal gapping and begging.

Despite trailing by 2 goals, Dragon FC were more cautious and appeared to be happy to let their hosts enjoy a Lions’ share of possession. Bullets were by far the most dangerous side.

The guests had an opportunity from the set-piece but Yamikani Fodya was quick to head it away and later on, Chimbamba was forced to make a save.

Lanjesi Nkhoma combined with Phodo and the number 30 darted forward before releasing a powerful effort that flew over the bar in the agony of Pasuwa as it was the chance for them to take the game to bed.

After the recess, Bullets started slowly as Dragon were pushing for the opener but Clyde Senaji and Yamikani Fodya formed a formidable defence pair at the back denying the visitors an access to the goals. Pasuwa had to make changes as he was also searching for the goals to rest the game. Patrick Mwaungulu replaced Anthony Mfune while Ephraim made his first appearance on the international stage as he replaced Phodo.

Lanjesi Nkhoma had the space to attack on the left and he played Kondowe through. The former Wanderers’ attacker beat the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into an empty net for Bullets to take a 3-goal advantage.

Yamikani Fodya is very unfortunate to have received his second straight Red card in the Caf Champions League. In 2021, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets finished with a man down against Amazulu in South Africa and against Dragon he was also sent off.

With three left backs all injured, many would think that Pasuwa would have deployed Fodya as a left back but the veteran was slotted in as a Centre back to partner with Senaji.

His experience helped Bullets to keep clean-sheets in two games. He was not good defensively, but offensively. The way he led the backline was marvelous.

Richard Chimbamba made a mistake and Dragon nearly grabbed an opener but Today was quick to clear the ball for a corner.

Fodya came close to get his name on to the score-sheet but he saw his curling free-kick tipped over the bar by goal-keeper. Unfortunately, his day ended with 15 minutes to play when he denied Ludovid Esono a scoring opportunity.

Pasuwa made changes as he replaced Frank Willard with Blessings Mpokera who also plays a cross the back-line. Nixon Nyasulu came in for Nkhoma while Mwaungulu was sacrificed for Kenneth Pasuwa.