By Lusekero Mhango
KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-Stragglers Karonga United on Saturday, April 23, 2022 held reigning champions Nyasa Big Bullets to a 0-0 draw in a TNM Super League match played at the Karonga Stadium in a cagey but entertaining stalemate.
The Game which was played in front of a huge crowd was characterized by wastefulness in front of goal by the two sides as clear goal scoring chances went begging time after time.
The point meant that Bullets stay second on the log table with 14 points to their name from six matches two points adrift from early league leaders Blue Eagles while Karonga remain 14th with their fourth draw in their opening seven games.
The visitors who were searching for their first victory and goal at the Karonga stadium since 2019 against their hosts, made a spanking start to the game and should have taken an early led in the 6th minute but marksman Babatunde Adepoju’s rasping strike from the edge of the penalty area went narrowly wide of Yona Milanzi’s goalposts.
Despite the away side making a faster start to the game the home side who were being led by Christopher Nyambose who replaced the sacked Lazarus Magaya in the dugout looked dangerous on the counter attack with the impressive Sheriff Shamama at the heart of Karonga’s attacks.
However despite enjoying a lion share of possession in the first half Bullets were forced to settle for a goalless first half by a well-organized home side led by the impressive Eric Atsiga at the back.
In the second half the Blantyre based giants started off where they had left, exerting pressure on Karonga United tiring defense, playing off some neat one touch football but Chimwemwe Idana and Ernest Petro failed to capitalize on chances that they created as the Karonga United keeper Milanzi was superb on the day making a string of fine saves to preserve a point for his team.
However Karonga United’s Shamama should have grabbed a late winner for the home side but shot wide after a loose ball in the penalty area kindly fell into his path.
Speaking in a post-match interview newly installed Karonga United coach Christopher Nyambose, expressed delight in his side showing despite their lack of confidence following a winless start to the season.
“I thought our performance was more like the Karonga of old which our fans have not seen this season and as a coach I am delighted with the work rate and application put in tactically by the boys to earn this important point against one of the title contenders for the championship this season,” he said.
Never the less Nyasa Big Bullets coach Calisto Pasuwa, said bullets were happy to come away from home with the point against a well-organized team.
“We didn’t play that well today like usual so we are happy to go home with a point in a difficult stadium and team. The season is long so we will have other opportunities to collect maximum points.” He explained.
