FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under 19s emerged 3-1 winners over Assima FC in the 2024 FCB Katswiri Under 20 League on Sunday morning at Mpira stadium.
First-half strikes from Dominic Kayamba and Precious Chamangwana started our boys’ comeback before Martin Adam completed the mission over the hosts in the second half.
What happened
Bullets went into this tie looking to bounce back from last Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against the league leaders, Agumbala Stars.
The game burst into the life from start, with both teams seeking to establish dominance. In the opening minute, young Maule earned a corner kick. Vincent Kampira’s clever interplay with Kelvin Chimodzi led to another setpiece, however Chamangwana’s effort whizzed wide.
Bullets continued to dominate the opening quarter of the tie and Holance Chilekwa had an opportunity to hand Yamikani Fodya’s youngsters a lead in the 15th minute, only to see his effort landing straight into the palms of Justice Kamphote.
The breakthrough finally came two minutes later when the hosts broke the deadlock courtesy of Justice Patrick’s thunderbolt goal.
Bullets got their arsenal right to push for an equalizer which eventually came moments later.
Getting to the end of Kampira’s cross, Kayamba equalized for us following a lapse in communication in Assima’s defence.
Fired up by the equalizer, our boys doubled their efforts to snatch another goal. Chimodzi thought he had scored only to be denied when the flag went up for offside.
In the 39th minute, Mphatso Maguza handled the ball in the penalty area, and Chamangwana converted the spot-kick to secure the Bullets youth a halftime lead.
Assima made a change at the start of the final half by introducing Foster Ajida for Alex Zombazomba.
In the 47th minute, Charles Kasalanga squandered a golden opportunity when he failed to capitalize on a beautifully crafted team move.
Looking for fresh legs, Fodya made a double change by introducing Adam and Osman George, who replaced Chimodzi and Chilekwa in the 59th minute.
Adam nearly made an immediate impact with a chance to extend our lead, but his attempt went straight at Kamphote before Kampira had another effort off the target.
Adam completed the day’s mission, when he beat the keeper before guiding the ball into the empty net, finishing a well-worked team goal. It was 3-1 after 74 minutes.
In the 78th minute, the hosts won two corner kicks in succession, but the Bullets’ defence foiled their quick play before Hopeson Phiri handled Collin Mhango’s effort.
The game ended with Bullets U19s emerging victorious, 3-1 over Assima FC.
What it means
With the win over Assima, our youngsters have 54 points and are still in second place in the league standings.
Fodya’s post-match reaction
“We knew Assima would be a challenging opponent as they were coming from defeating Wanderers 4-1, but our game plan was executed flawlessly and the boys showcased unstoppable determination, relentless pressure, and clinical finishing. I’m incredibly proud and we’re looking forward to building on this momentum ahead of the remaining three games.”
