By Twink Jones Gadama
In a heart-stopping encounter at the Bingu International Stadium, Nyasa Big Bullets overturned a deficit to defeat Zambian outfit Red Arrows 2-1 in a CAF match, thanks to a late surge of goals from Babatunde Adepoju and Precious Phiri.
The visitors, Red Arrows, drew first blood in the 56th minute through Ricky Banda’s clinical finish, leaving Bullets reeling.
However, the Malawian giants refused to yield, mounting intense pressure that eventually paid off.
Adepoju, who had earlier squandered a golden opportunity, made amends in the 77th minute with a powerful header that left Red Arrows’ goalkeeper grasping at thin air.
The equalizer sparked a frenetic pace, with Bullets pushing for the winner.
Phiri, introduced as a substitute, proved to be the game-changer, slotting home the decisive goal in the 81st minute.
The strike sent the home crowd into raptures, and Bullets saw out the remaining minutes to secure a vital victory.
Red Arrows, despite their valiant efforts, were unable to capitalize on their early advantage.
They won six corners but failed to convert any, while Sadam Yousef’s shot was heroically saved by Richard Chimbamba.
The introduction of Ephraim Kondowe and Stanley Billiat by Bullets’ coach Callisto Pasuwa altered the complexion of the game, injecting pace and creativity into the hosts’ attack.
As the match entered its dying embers, Bullets continued to press, with Billiat and Phiri combining beautifully to create scoring opportunities.
Yankho Singo’s injury-enforced substitution did little to disrupt the team’s rhythm, and they saw out the four added minutes to claim a hard-fought win.
The victory sets Bullets up nicely for the second leg in Zambia, where they will look to build on this momentum and advance in the competition.
For Red Arrows, the defeat serves as a wake-up call, and they will need to regroup ahead of the return fixture.
