FCB Nyasa Bullets wrote their own piece of history after winning the 2023 NBS Bank Fam Charity Shield following their 2-1 victory over rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Bingu National Stadium Sunday.
This is Bullets’ sixth Charity Shield since it was introduced in 2016— to do so, they have beaten Wanderers on three occasions.
For Bullets, this could be a statement ahead of the new season, which kicks off at the same venue on Saturday.
Bullets will face Silver Strikers in the official opening match.
On the part of Wanderers, this should serve as a wake-up call if they want to challenge for the Super League title this season.
However, the derby did not live up to expectations.
It was evident that both teams have a lot of homework to do before the league kicks off.
The Nomads went into the match looking to end Bullets’ dominance in the Charity Shield.
However, they were too casual and made a cocktail of mistakes at the back.
Again, they failed to play their usual passing game. In short, the Nomads did not come to the party.
Playing his first official match for Bullets, former Silver forward Maxwell Gasten Phodo did not disappoint as he opened the scoring in the 9th minute.
After the goal, Bullets continued to pile pressure on the Nomads.
Sensing danger, Wanderers Coach Mark Harrison substituted defender Emmanuel Nyirenda for striker Misheck Bottoman.
The change breathed some life into Wanderers’ attack but Bullets held on for a slender 1-0 lead going into the break.
On the part of Bullets, they were forced to introduce Anthony Mfune for injured Lanjesi Nkhoma.
After recess, Wanderers also introduced Peter Cholopi for Alfred Manyozo Junior.
However, Stanley Biliati doubled the lead for Bullets in the 72nd minute.
Botomani scored for Wanderers in the 78th minute to set up a tense finish.
Bullets goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba denied substitute Vincent Nyangulu towards the end of the match.
In a post-match interview, Pasuwa felt the players executed the game-plan well.
“The boys played with patience and I am very pleased with the players. This is a source of motivation to the players,” Pasuwa said.
Taking his turn, Mark Harrison said the boys did not come to the party.
“It was a shocking performance in the first half. I am really disappointed with the performance,” he said.
Proceeds of the match will go to Tropical Cyclone Freddy survivors.
