Andrew Mdzumira and Rachael Kaphaizi
Six points from away fixtures feels good for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as they keeper pressing league leaders Mighty Wanderers. Despite that, coach Peter Mponda is not happy with the play expressed disappointment over what he described as a frustrating attitude from some of his starting players.
Despite the win, Mponda was visibly unimpressed with some of his charges. Within just 20 minutes of the opening half, Mponda made a bold double substitution, taking off captain Frank Willard and Lameck Gamphani for Maxwell Phodo and Hassan Kajoke.
This move did little to swing the momentum in Bullets’ favour.
“It’s frustrating for me as a coach to put trust in players to start, and then they don’t deliver as expected,” Mponda said during post-match interviews.
“Even though the players themselves may feel disappointed being subbed early, we needed to make those changes to fix things. When things don’t go well, as a coach, you’re the one under fire. I am pleased the changes paid off.”
The match’s only goal came in the 77th minute through winger Chikumbutso Salima, who latched onto a perfectly timed pass from Yamikani Mologeni to hand the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Champions all three points in this tight TNM Super League encounter.
This means Bullets will return to Blantyre with 6 points following a 2-0 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers on Thursday at Rumphi Ground.
Meanwhile, Mafco head coach Stereo Gondwe was gracious in the defeat, commending his players for their spirited display despite the loss.
“We created early chances but failed to capitalise. At this level, small lapses can be costly, and we were punished for not taking our chances,” Gondwe remarked.
“But I am proud of the way the boys played against a strong Bullets side.”
Following the win, Bullets now sit just one point behind Wanderers, who lead with 34 points. Bullets follow closely on 33 points. Both sides have played 14 matches so far, setting the stage for a dramatic second round of the season. Bullets will next face Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium with Wanderers visiting Civil Service United.
Mafco FC are also scheduled to play their next match at Kamuzu Stadium, where they will meet Ekhaya FC.
At Civo Stadium
Mzuzu City Hammers has suffered another setback in Lilongwe today, losing 4-0 to Civil Service United just three days of their loss to Bullets.
This means that they have pocketed six goals in two games without scoring.
Civil took the lead on 28 minutes through Frank Chizuze who was assisted by Blessings Malinda.
After two minutes of celebrating their first goal, Dastan Banda doubled the home team’s lead. He then completed a brace on the first added minute of the first half.
Three goals were not enough for the Servants as John Dambuleni scored the fourth and final goal on 75 minutes.
Speaking after collecting maximum points, Civil head coach Abbas Makawa expressed his satisfaction with the result.
“I am happy with the three points and four goals, to us it’s good and we are moving forward,” said Makawa.
Mzuzu City Hammers coach, Elias Chirambo has attributed the loss to injuries and absence of key players.
“We have so many injuries so this has affected us,” said Chirambo.
Lineups for Mafco Vs Bullets
Mafco FC:
Christopher Mikuwa, Paul Ndlovu, Dancan Mwale, Aubrey Chafewa, Auspicious Kadzongola, Vitumbiko Phiri, Yohane Malunga, Eustace Mwale, Prince Kachere, Chifundo Moloson, China Chirwa.
Bullets:
Innocent Nyasulu, Frank Willard, Yamikani Mologeni, Blessings Mpokera, Chikumbutso Salima, Ephraim Kondowe, Wongani Lungu, Andrew Juvinala, Lameck Gamphani, Henry Chiwaya, Paul Master.
Lineups for Civil Vs Hammers
Civil:
Rahaman John, Moses Banda, John Dambuleni, Damiano Kunje, Blessings Malinda, Dastan Banda, Yankho Billiat, Peter Ng’ambi, Charles Mafaiti, Frank Chizuze, Precious Chipungu.
Hammers:
Joseph Fulawo, Jimmy Msiska, Aubrey Simbi, Chisomo Sambani, Mustapher Maulana, Alex Msiska, Gerald Ngwira, Mathews Banda, Moses Gwayi, Jeremiah Kanyika, Hassan Luwembe.
