By Erik Chiputula:
Nyasa Big Bullets produced a masterclass performance to emerge 4-0 victors against bitter sworn in rivals Mighty Wanderers and progressed to the final of the FDH Cup booking a date against it’s reserve side.
The Atlas Malawi now takes a review of how players from the sides performed in this one sided affair.
• NYASA BIG BULLETS
RICHARD CHIMBAMBA (GK) – 4/10
He didn’t make any serious save in the entire 90 minutes except collecting balls from crosses and corners. Good communication with his defenders but nothing to do other than that.
GOMEZGAN CHIRWA 9/10
Started as Right back as usual and repaid Pasuwa’s faith with a fabulous performance in defense and offensively. Chirwa kept Kaliati in check throughout the match and was a force going forward and tormented Joseph Balakasi. He scored NBB’s opener and provided an assist for the third goal.
PRECIOUS SAMBANI 7/10
Didn’t offer much going forward, such was Bullets approach but very solid defensively as he kept Yamikani Chester on mute in the entire game.
KESTEN SIMBI 7/10
Always at full stretch and brave. He was very solid at the back and won 90% of the battle against his Misheck Bottoman.
JOHN LANJESI 8/10
The Nyasa Big Bullets veteran put in a decent perfomance, making more clearances and he tightly marked Muhammad Sulumba who failed to register any shot on target. Lanjesi’s footwork was excellent, able to pass and good in the air. He was later replaced with Nickson Nyasulu after sustaining an injury.
FRANK WILLARD 7/10
Read Wanderers’ predictable exchanges excellently all game, making it impossible for them to relieve the pressure.
CHIMWEMWE IDANA 8/10
The former captain shone bright, always involved in the thick of things. He was moving freely against disorganized Wanderers midfield and he completed more passes and dribbles.
ENERST PETRO 6.5/10
Always looked forward with the ball and showed plenty of energy to cover up the midfield.
PATRICK MWAUNGULU 6/10
Had to drop deeper a lot in the entire game but proved his worth with a superb assists to Babatunde Adepoju’s goal.
HASSAN KAJOKE 7/10
Kajoke was one of the People’s team player who played well against Wanderers. He used the ball smartly, made food runs and posed threat in attack. He was stripped down by Gabeya to win a penalty which he converted himself.
ANTHONY MFUNE 9/10
Was awarded man of match, was calm in setting up Gomezgan Chirwa for the goal and he scored. Had more shots on target among all players on the pitch. He caused Wanderers so much bother.
• MIGHTY MUKURU WANDERERS
RICHARD CHIPUWA 5/10
The experienced keeper will feel he could have done better for Bullets’ goals, but he was left badly exposed by porus midfield and defence. Gomezgan Chirwa, Mfune and Babatunde scored from central areas while Kajoke’s goal was from the spot. He made a number of saves in the second half and kept the scoreline respectable. Probably Wanderers man of the match.
STANLEY SANUD 4/10
He failed to offer anything in attack, was in able to overlap and he delivered no cross in the entire 90 minutes, he just stayed at the back but still more Bullets were able to penetrate on his side.
JOSEPH BALAKASI 1/10
Anthony Mfune got the better of him for the first goal. He struggled severally to stop the duo of Gomezgani Chirwa and Mfune who were always enjoying everything on his side. Balakasi was very poor on the day and was substituted early in the second half.
ADELEKE KALAWOLE 4/10
He was very quiet and was his positioning was always questionable. His only strength was winning aerial ball.
MIRACLE GABEYA 1/10
Gabeya was simply outclassed defensively. He gave away a penalty and never looked comfortable as Nyasa Big Bullets front three dragged him all over the shop. He made more misplacing passes including blunders and was nearly registered an own goal.
FRANCIS MKONDA 2/10
His back pass to Chipuwa led to Bullets’ third goal. For all of his qualities on the ball Mkonda lacked speed and strength stood in direct contrast to Bullets’ fast-paced football. He was again unable to cover up his defense as the defending midfielder.
FELIX ZULU 1/10
He rearly touched the ball. He failed to make an impact against rampant Bullets.
ISAAC KALIATI 3/10
Gomezgan Chirwa got the better of him and he was nowhere to be seen except for his two attempts from free-kicks and those were the only threat for the Nomads.
YAMIKANI CHESTER 1/10
The right winger looked worryingly ineffective. The hope was that his star quality would give Wanderers lift in attack but his performance was completely sub-par. No any attempt, one dribble completed.
MISHECK BOTTOMAN 1/10
No any attempt from him and was well taken care by Kesten Simbi no wonder he was substituted early in the second half.
MUHAMMAD SULUMBA 2/10
Managed only a single shot off target. He offered on real attacking threat.
