By Rachael Kaphaizi
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets last won a league game on May 10. Over a month and two new coaches later, they managed to win.
Kamuzu Barracks handed Bullets a gift they could not let pass. Goalkeeper Hastings Banda’s 90th-minute blunder condemned the soldiers to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at Civo Stadium.
After five consecutive draws — four in the FDH Bank Premiership and one in the Airtel Top 8 — the People’s Team finally returned to winning ways.
Bullets came out hungry, and their early pressure paid off in the ninth minute when Ephraim Kondowe broke the deadlock.
From there, Bullets dominated the first half, moving the ball with certainty and leaving Kamuzu Barracks chasing daylight ghosts in the capital city’s shy June sun. The home crowd sensed more goals were coming.
But football can change in an instant.
Kamuzu Barracks returned from the break with new energy, pressing higher and taking control of the midfield. Their improvement was rewarded in the 65th minute when substitute Olson Kanjira found the equaliser.
The goal silenced the Bullets supporters and shifted momentum strongly in KB’s favour.
Bullets seemed rattled as passes went astray, and frustration grew among the fans. A draw seemed inevitable.
Then came the moment Kamuzu Barracks would want to forget.
Deep into stoppage time, a routine ball was sent into the KB penalty area. A costly communication breakdown followed as defender Hope Namazunda headed the ball towards goalkeeper Hastings Banda.
Misjudging the bounce, Banda could only watch as the ball rolled agonisingly over the line and into the net for a dramatic own goal.
Speaking after the victory, Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda conveyed satisfaction with his team’s performance while acknowledging there is room for improvement.
“I’m satisfied with the boys. They did well, and I’m seeing a very big team coming. But we have finishing problems. We will work on that, and we will have a big team,” said Nyirenda.
Despite the defeat, Kamuzu Barracks head coach Kenwood Nkhoma remained encouraged by his side’s display.
“I’m convinced by today’s performance. This is my philosophy. I want us to play good football, create chances and score goals, so I’m convinced with the team,” said Nkhoma.
The result means Kamuzu Barracks have now suffered their fifth FDH Bank Premiership defeat of the season, while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets recorded their third league victory.
