Defender Hadji Wali’s goal handed Nyasa Big Bullets a 1-0 win over his former employers Silver Strikers in the NBS Charity Shield match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday afternoon.
Bullets’ Zimbabwean coach Kalisto Pasuwa featured a relatively young squad handing full senior team debuts to newly promoted Patrick Mwaungulu, Kesten Simbi and Silver outcast Wali.
Silver’s Zambian coach Dan Kabwe featured a strong line up of experienced campaigners such as Tawonga Chimodzi and Blessings Tembo save for up and coming Patrick Macheso, Maxwell Paipi, Zebron Kalima and Innocent Shema.
However, it was Wali who made the difference, scoring in the 36th minute after outjumping the rest of markers to power his header past Silver’s national team goalkeeper Charles Thom.
Before Bullets scored, Silver had their moments but striker Stein Davie headed the ball straight at Bullets goalkeeper Clever Mkungula.
On the other end, newly promoted attacker Patrick Mwaungulu threated to score earlier for Bullets but Thom proved equal to the challenge as he smothered the youngster’s shot.
The coach Kalisto Pasuwa men finally got their breakthrough with Wali directing into the net a corner-kick to ignite celebrations at the Blantyre venue.
In the second half, Silver chased the game with Zambian coach Dan Kabwe introducing experienced Frank Banda and Duncan Nyoni for Davie and Zebron Kalima.
However, Silver found Mkungula difficult to beat as he stopped striker Chawanangwa Kaonga’s effort with a smart save.
The match set the domestic season in motion in Malawi. The TNM Super League season will kick off on March 19.
Proceeds from the Charity Shield will go towards victims of floods that damaged some areas of the Southern Region.
Starting Line-ups:
Bullets: Clever Mkungula, Eric Kaonga, Hadji Wali, Gomezgani Chirwa, Chimwemwe Idana, Henry Kabichi, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Kesten Simbi, Patrick Mwaungulu, Mischeck Selemani, Babatunde Adepoju.
Silver: Charles Thom, John Mwase, Tawonga Chimodzi, Mark Fodya, Patrick Macheso, Blessings Tembo, Stenie Davies, Chawanangwa Kaonga, Maxwell Paipi, Zebron Kalima, Innocent Shema