Wedson Nyirenda believes FCB Nyasa Big Bullets displayed the resolve demanded by a challenging away assignment after Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Karonga United at Karonga Stadium.
Ephraim Kondowe converted Yamikani Mologeni’s delivery in the 38th minute to settle the FDH Bank Premiership contest and ensure our first journey to the Northern Region this season ended with maximum points.
Bullets created several opportunities to extend the advantage but were denied by goalkeeper Eddie Jamu and the woodwork before another disciplined defensive display secured a second successive victory and clean sheet.
For Nyirenda, the result reflected the character and determination required to negotiate one of the league’s most demanding away assignments.
“First of all, I want to thank my boys. They fought for these three points based on how we prepared. They showed character,” he said.
“It was not going to be easy, and we knew from the onset that they would come hard at us. Under very difficult circumstances, we managed to pull off a win on the road, which is a good thing for a team fighting for the championship.”
The victory carried further significance given the demands of travelling from Blantyre to Karonga, with Nyirenda acknowledging the physical toll of the journey and the conditions his players encountered.
“It is a very long journey, and I just have to give it to them for winning because they pushed for this victory from the word go,” he explained.
“It is not easy playing in this environment. Even I am tired, so what more with the players?”
Beyond the resilience needed to protect the lead, Nyirenda was encouraged by the attacking intent his side maintained throughout the contest.
Wongani Lungu was denied by Jamu in the first half, while Kondowe headed wide moments before opening the scoring. After the interval, Kondwani Tebulo unleashed a powerful strike against the post before Frank Willard fired the rebound off target.
Kondowe also had an opportunity to seal the victory late on after finding space between two defenders, but Jamu advanced quickly to prevent the forward from scoring his second of the afternoon.
Those openings continued the attacking progress evident in the previous weekend’s 2-0 victory over Chitipa United, when Bullets registered 16 attempts and struck the woodwork three times.
They also marked a clear improvement from the 1-0 defeat away to Goshen City Dedza Dynamos three weeks earlier, when Nyirenda’s side struggled to create a clear opportunity.
“It was the way we prepared. The boys showed character after I advised them to make every chance count,” said the head coach.
“Yes, we scored only one goal, but they were patient and did what I advised them to do. I think we have great fighters in the team.”
While the attacking performance offered encouragement, Bullets’ ability to manage the contest without the ball proved equally important.
Innocent Nyasulu dealt confidently with Karonga’s deliveries into the penalty area, while the back four of Mologeni, Blessings Mpokera, Emmanuel Kaunga and Prince Chiumia remained composed as the hosts searched for a route back into the match.
The clean sheet was Bullets’ second in succession and meant Nyirenda’s side had conceded only seven goals in 13 league matches, strengthening a defensive record the head coach believes can provide the foundation for sustained success.
“Championship teams rarely concede goals. They work on their defence first, then they start fighting in attack,” he said.
“You could see that our defence was very solid, and we are also creating chances. It is coming together well for us.”
Sunday’s victory was also deeply personal for Nyirenda, coming several weeks after the passing of his mother.
Having overseen consecutive wins against Chitipa and Karonga, the head coach believes the latest result will provide further motivation as Bullets approach the closing stages of the first round.
“This is a great win, especially for me. This is my second win in a row since losing my mother. This win means a lot,” he reflected.
“For the players, it will definitely motivate them to push for more victories in the future.”
The result lifted Bullets into third position with 26 points from 13 matches, level with second-placed Mighty Wanderers and two behind leaders Silver Strikers.
Bullets now turn their attention to another assignment on the road against Luanar Mitundu in Dedza, our final away fixture of the first round.
Meta description
Wedson Nyirenda praises Bullets’ resolve, attacking intent and defensive discipline after a 1-0 victory over Karonga United.
Web tags
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Wedson Nyirenda, Karonga United, Ephraim Kondowe, FDH Bank Premiership
