FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under 19s suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Airsport United in the FCB Katswiri Under 20 League at Chilomoni Stadium on Saturday.
The match was characterized by end-to-end action, with both teams creating scoring opportunities, but in the end, the home side got all three points.
What happened
The encounter kicked off to a thrilling start, with both teams displaying attacking intent from the outset. The game exploded into life in the second minute, and Bullets nearly broke the deadlock, but Issah Felix squandered a golden opportunity, leaving the bench and fans on the edge of their seats.
Kelvin Chimodzi followed suit just a minute later, but his effort went straight into the palms of goalkeeper Albert Lupiya.
The hosts earned their first corner kick in the 4th minute, but Gift Frank’s lightning-quick clearance averted the danger.
In the 16th minute, Airsport made a strategic substitution, introducing Aubrey Byton for McDonald Banda.
The remainder of the opening half witnessed a fiercely contested battle for possession, with neither side able to find the breakthrough.
Gift Jiya’s 32nd-minute corner kick sailed over the bar, encapsulating the opening period’s lack of clinical finishing.
Bullets started the second half where they left off, with Mphatso Julius’ attempt sailing wide in the 47th minute.
Blessings Lungu replaced Issah Felix in the 54th minute as Yamikani Fodya looked to inject impetus into our attack.
Both teams continued to press for the opener, playing possession and attacking football.
Collins Pearson broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 67th minute, capitalizing on our defensive lapse. The momentum swung decisively in the host’s favour.
Vincent Kampira’s 75th-minute corner kick was cleared by the home team’s defence, which continued guarding their slender lead, frustrating the second-placed Bullets youngsters.
After the 80th minute, the game ended 1-0 in favour of the Airsport, leaving Bullets U19s to rue the missed opportunities.
What it means
Following this 1-0 defeat to Airsport United, Bullets Youth have suffered their first loss in the second round and a fourth this FCB Katswiri Under 20 League campaign to miss on an opportunity to reduce the gap against leaders Agumbala FC in the standings.
After 19 games, Agumbala have amassed 46 points, while the junior Maule have accumulated 39. Airsport, with 20 points, occupy the 12th spot in the 16-team table.
Fodya’s post-match reaction
“Today’s loss is tough, but we’ll bounce back. We created chances, but we lacked the finishing touch. Our defence was solid, and we showed great spirit. We will regroup, learn from our mistakes, and come back strong.”
What next
The lads will switch focus to this weekend’s fixture as they will host Griffin Young Stars.
