KALISTO Pasuwa’s FCB Nyasa Big Bullets won a record seventh successive Charity Shield after defeating Silver Strikers 7-6 on post-match penalties following a goalless draw at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Pasuwa handed first-time starts to several players, including Zimbabwean defender Colin Mujuru, who signed for the 2023 quadruple winners on Thursday.
Mujuru partnered with Blessings Mpokera in central defence.
The first 15 minutes of the match saw Bullets dominating possession, but they lacked the cutting edge to finish off the opponents who were sitting back to defend against fearless attackers.
Silver’s pressing opened up a window of opportunity for Pasuwa’s side to launch a stunning counter-attack which almost handed them a lead in the 27th minute but for an excellent save from George Chikooka.
Salima was causing havoc to Silver’s left-hand side as he kept on tormenting Yamikani Fodya with his pace and dribbling skills, but all his dangerous crosses were unattended by Phodo and Babatunde inside the area.
After the break, Pasuwa brought in another new signing, Mathews Masamba, and Ernest Petro for Phodo and Chawanangwa Gumbo to try to stop Silver from winning the midfield battle.
With 90 minutes played, Pasuwa brought in Nickson Nyasulu for Yankho Singo, a clear indication that he was now preparing his team for penalties.
Despite adding three more minutes to the clock, the two teams could not break the deadlock and penalties had to be used to find the winner. — Nyasa Big Bullets.
