FCB Nyasa Big Bullets aim to get back to winning ways when we host Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon in our third TNM Super League fixture at home this season.
Last Sunday, The People’s Team dropped points following a 1-1 draw in Matchweek 6 away to Civil Service United in Lilongwe.
A win against Red Lions will see Bullets opening a three-point gap at the top of the table as second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers remain with 14 points following their 1-0 home defeat against visiting Chitipa United on Saturday.
Facing the Lions of Zomba, a third military opponent we are meeting this season, should not be an easy fixture for us as the visitors will be desperate for full points due to their unimpressive start to the 2023 campaign.
Head-to-Head
The history between the two sides is very long with significant impact. In the previous season, Bullets collected six points over Sunday’s challengers, who lost 2-0 in the first round at Balaka Stadium before suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Pasuwa’s men at Kamuzu Stadium.
The last time Bullets lost to Red Lions was in 2013 when the soldiers won 2-0 at Zomba Community Center Ground.
But since then, it has been Bullets dominating in all the meetings, including cup games.
On Sunday, The People’s Team will still aim to avoid complacency against a side which will give it all to get their season going as they hunt for maximum points having only won one game out of six.
Current form
Bullets head into this match straight from the 1-1 draw away to Civil whilst their opponents are coming from a 1-0 defeat at home to Moyale Barracks.
Bullets, currently top of the standings with 14 points, have registered four wins and drawn twice, scoring 12 goals and conceding three, whilst Red Lions, 15th on the 16-team table, have conceded 11 goals and scored four, with a single win, one draw and four defeats.
The visitors are yet to register a win away from home this season.
Team News
Pasuwa’s side will be without the defensive duo of Nickson Nyasulu and Alick Lungu due to injuries.
Striker Hassan Kajoke is also doubtful as he is yet to be certified fit from an injury he suffered against Moyale Barracks and has been on the sidelines for two weeks.
In the absence of centre-half Nyasulu and left-back Lungu, Bullets have received a big boost following the return of full-back Clyde Senaji and wingback Yamikani Fodya, who missed last week’s trip to Civil due to injuries.
Pasuwa’s pre-match interview
“Red Lions is a side one can say is struggling in the league, but a good example is the last game we played [against Civil Service United, which has also been struggling]. It was a case of complacency where every time in duels, we were second to the ball and even when tracking the opponents. A good example is the goal that they scored; it was a simple tracking case as the guys left that boy [Patrick Phiri] going without even communicating [and he released Binwell Katinji to score].
“As Bullets, we need to have the extra mile in whatever we do. The reaction from the boys must be positive. Not only the boys but everyone in the house. It is the mindset that will make one say this team has been playing well and will get the three points. In each and every game we play as Bullets, we need to fight to win these games.”
