Head coach Peter Mponda has admitted his disappointment after FCB Nyasa Big Bullets surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Karonga United in Sunday’s TNM Super League first-round finale at Kamuzu Stadium.
The result denied The People’s Team a chance to move top of the table, as leaders Mighty Wanderers were also held to a goalless draw away to Civil Service United on the same day.
“It’s a very frustrating result for us. We had the game in the pocket, but we relaxed at a time when managing the game was a must. Defensively, we didn’t do well, especially in dealing with set pieces. In the last 25 minutes, we thought the job was done only to surrender the lead at a critical point,” Mponda said.
Substitutions and Game Management
Mponda made four changes after the break, introducing Babatunde Adepoju, Yankho Singo, Maxwell Phodo, and Henry Chiwaya, with Peter Banda, Ephraim Kondowe, Wongani Lungu, and captain Frank Willard making way.
Babatunde scored from the penalty spot to restore Bullets’ two-goal cushion, but Karonga fought back with two late strikes to claim a share of the spoils.
“I don’t think the changes were costly. Babatunde was very good, played well. Phodo didn’t play the way we expected — he was a little bit off — but as a team we switched off at a crucial time,” the gaffer reflected.
Looking to Reinforce
The Bullets boss, who has already added defender Khumbo Banda and veteran forward Bright Munthali this window, confirmed that more reinforcements are being targeted for the second round, with defence and attack highlighted as priority areas.
“Defensively, we need to have numbers. Apart from that, we also need new players in attack to add value to the team. Today showed we’re lacking depth — we had the game in our hands but failed to seal it. With more quality, we could have finished the job instead of dropping points at home,” Mponda said.
While not revealing specific targets, the head coach is confident of additions in the coming days.
“We are still weighing up our options, but I believe we will bring in players who can add something to the team,” he said.
