Bullets win Zambezi Cup

Chiukepo Msowoya scored in injury time as Big Bullets defeated 10-man Zimbabwe’s Caps United 2-1 to win the 2015 edition of the Malawi pre-season Zambezi Soccer Challenge Cup on a chilly Wednesday afternoon of the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

The former Orlando Pirates burly striker, who was earlier denied by Caps goalkeeper Itai Chiwara finger-tip save, found acres of space to fire into the net and earn the Bullets MK3 million (1$=MK450) cash prize.

However, the organisers fell short of bringing the actual trophy to the stadium due to logistical hiccups.

During the game, veteran Fischer Kondowe had scored the Bullets’ opener with a dipping direct free-kick awarded after Caps defender Clive Sibanda had fouled Msowoya on the 12th minute.

Some 13 minutes later, Malawian Ishmael Thindwa, who won Caps the cup last year, glanced in the leveler for the visitors to put the match at a 1-1 at half time.

In the second half, Caps had a goal disallowed before another Malawian Gerald Phiri Jnr missed two decent sitters only for Msowoya to net the winner in time added on. Earlier, Chiwara had denied from close range efforts by substitute Mussa Manyenje and Yamikani Fodya.

In fact, Msowoya could have scored the second seconds before the final whistle, but defender Rodwell Muhlanga cleared the Bullets’ forward’s goal-bound shot off the line.

It was a dramatic end to the game as injury time, Caps defender George Nyirenda, got marching orders.

Bullets: Chimwemwe Kunkwawa (Owen Chaima), Bhashir Maunde (Dalitso Siliva), Miracle Gabeya, Yamikani Fodya, Sankhani Mkandawire (Dave Ng’ambi), Fischer Kondowe, Dalitso Sailesi, James Chilapondwa, Victor Limbani (Henry Kabichi), Chiukepo Msowoya, Tizgobere Kumwenda (Mussa Manyenje).

Caps: Ian Chiwara, Valentine Musaruwa, George Nyirenda, Charles Mutero, Rodwell Muhlanga, Clive Sibanda( Yohane Sibanda), Lee Ruzvido, Tinotenda Muskwe (Blessings Mamuzihwa), Pevington Zimonya (Never Tigere), Gerald Phiri Jnr, Ishmael Thindwa (Carlos Messi)