AmaZulu gunned down by Big Bullets

AMAZULU’S historic first CAF Champions League game ended in a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the preliminary round against 10-man Malawian club Nyasa Big Bullets at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban last night.

There is now concern for Benni McCarthy’s side. They have not won any of their four competitive games in all competitions this season. They are missing the firepower of the injured Zambian international Augustine Mulenga.

Pulli Msowoya gave Big Bullets the lead after capitalising on slack defending from AmaZulu.

A rare goalkeeping error from Usuthu shot-stopper Veli Mothwa allowed the visitors to take the lead. Big Bullets were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time as Livison Fodya was handed a red card following a studs-up challenge on Thabo Qalinge. There was a melee in the last 10 minutes when AmaZulu got the ball over the Big Bullets goal line through Thapelo Xoki but the goal was not awarded after the home side was penalised for a foul. AmaZulu nearly drew level at the death as Keagan Buchanan’s long-range shot struck the post. Buchanan was unlucky to hit the post yet again a few minutes later. The rebound was blazed over by Philani Zulu.

| ESHLIN VEDAN eshlin.vedan@inl.co.za