……Baka 1(5)-1(4) Bullets Reserve
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Baka City from the Northern region on Sunday, December 10, 2023 sent a statement of intent as they beat FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve, a team that has been earning super league status for the past four years from the Southern Region Football League.
The Clever Boys cruised to the semi-finals of the MK13 million king Kabvina Trophy in Mponela, after a 5-4 win on penalties over the Thumbs Up Premier Division Champions at the King Kabvina Stadium after a 1-all stalemate in regulation time.
Bullets Reserve were the first to score in the 57th minute in the second half through skillful winger , Chrispin Mapemba who sent a grass cutter powerful shot past Goalkeeper Abraham Mwandenga.
Mwandenga however, could have done better than what he did to let that ball into the net. Bullets settled first into the game as they pressed Baka and kept them in their own half for the good part of the first stanza.
Chrispin Mapemba ,Francis Malikebu, Gift Lamowa and Madalitso Safuli knocked on City’s goal several times but were denied by Mwandenga.
The Clever boys shone through Joseph Mwambuka, Patrick Mweneko, Brian Simwayi and Robert Koinel among others.
It was a thrilling and fascinating encounter and the two teams displayed superb performance to the satisfaction of the crowd estimated to be close to 10,000 who almost filled Champion Stadium to capacity.
As the match was thought to end in favour of Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve. Baka pressed harder with Goalkeeper Austin Chirambo making two crucial saves in succession in the 86th minute.
But for how long could the young red army resist City’s aggressive attacks?,.Baka got a penalty at 87 minutes following a handball by Bullets.
Captain Robert Koinel confidently stood behind the ball before sending goalkeeper Chirambo in the opposite direction to put the matter at level.The last whistle came soon after that goal and the tie was to be decided through post match penalties.
Robert Koinel took first kick for Baka, Patrick Mweneko, Philloman Zyovu, Abraham Mwandenga and Brian Simwayi converted their kicks.
Chrispin Mapemba, Andrew Lameck, Limbani Kutambe, Gift Lamowa scored their penalties while Mussa Bwanali’s kick ended up being saved by goalkeeper Mwandenga.
Reacting to the loss,Bullets coach Enos Chatama said the team was unlucky as it missed a lot of chances they created.
Chatama therefore congratulated Baka City for the win while acknowledging they played a good game which he believed satisfied the audience who came in large numbers.
His counterpart, Davie Muyembe said the match was tricky and crucial.
“They were better in the first half with beautiful passing game so we cross counter them hence we started playing long balls and use the counter attacks.Our plan worked and we are in the semifinals.”, said Muyembe.
This was the first defeat for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve in the central region. They dominated in Aubrey Dimba winning the trophy since 2021.
Baka City has joined Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Reserve, Kamuzu Barracks reserve and Kalonga Rovers in the semifinals.
The team will date Wanderers on December 24.
With the other semifinal match being played on December 17 involving Kamuzu Barracks reserve and Kalonga Rovers.
