TNM Super League defending champions, Nyasa Big Bullets suffered their first lost this season when strugglers Karonga United mercilessly dented the Red’s unbeaten run with a sweet 1-0 victory at Mzuzu Stadium Sunday.
Following the shocking result, ugly scenes of violence erupted as some Bullets fans bayed for the blood of referee, James Chisunkha, who gave marching orders to right-back Pilirani Zonda in the 30th minute.
Following Zonda’s sending off, Bullets Coach Franco Ndawa substituted Mike Mkwate for George Nyirenda some minutes later.
Karonga’s Hygiene Mwandepeka scored the lone goal in the 77th minute through a stunning free-kick which eluded Bullets’ Ernest Kakhobwe who was voted man-of-the match following a string of saves that helped Bullets lose honourably.
Karonga defenders contained Bullets strikers Chiukepo Msowoya and Muhammad Sulumba. The pair attempted some shots but failed to hit the target.
Festus Chikwezga and Pacharo Ngwira for Karonga piled pressure upfront but Kakhobwe was alert to save the situation.
Chikumbutso Kanyenda was brought in the second half replacing Dalitso Sailesi who looked exhausted.
Bullets remain with 15 points from 12 games while Karonga have seven points from nine games.
Karonga United Assistant Coach, Etson Mwafulirwa said the win was to give honour to their coach, Kondwani Mwalweni who was not available for the match as he was attending his uncle’s funeral.
“We sat down with the players that the absence of the coach should not affect us, but rather we should do better as a sign of respect to him. We also advised the boys on some areas that needed focus and they followed the instructions hence the win,” Mwafulirwa said.
Bullets Technical Director, Billy Tewesa conceded defeat saying Karonga were a good side and deserved the win.
“As a team we have noted some things that we need to work on, despite some things that have affected us which I cannot disclose because it’s not about football. Especially, what we have noticed in our dressing room. But what Karonga should know is that they will also play away games,” Tewesa said.
After the final whistle, violence erupted between Bullets supporters and other spectators that led into the police throwing tear gas as the two sides threw stones at each other.
Bullets supporters restricted their Technical Director from speaking with Times TV on camera as they pushed him away and threatened to smash the Camera.
In other games Epac lost to Moyale 3-5 at Civo Stadium while Azam Tigers drew one-all with Wizards. Mzuni stunned Dwangwa United 2-1.
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