FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under 19s gave away their narrow lead late in the second half to draw 1-1 against Ekhaya Youth in the African Herbal Mixture U19 Cup on Saturday afternoon at Mpira stadium.
What happened
The match began with Ekhaya applying early pressure. In the 2nd minute, their star player, Chisomo Payika won a free kick in a dangerous position. However, our captain, Pemphero Mdedza was alert to the threat and cleared the danger.
Bullets responded quickly, creating their first major chance five minutes later. Petro Biziwiki found himself in a promising position, but Albert Lupiya made a crucial save, forcing a corner kick. Biziwiki stepped up to take the set piece, playing a quick one-two with Hollance Chilekwa, but the latter’s effort sailed wide, much to the relief of the Ekhaya defense.
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute. A well-orchestrated move started by Charles Kasalanga saw Mdedza deliver a brilliant cross into the box. Chilekwa rose highest to connect with a powerful header, giving Bullets a 1-0 lead.
As the half progressed, both teams created chances but failed to convert. In the 24th minute, our youngsters won a free kick, but Biziwiki’s effort was well-defended by the Ekhaya backline.
Meanwhile, the hosts began to grow into the game, and three minutes after the half-hour mark, they won a free kick. Goodson Banda stepped up, but his shot sailed wide, leaving the hosts frustrated.
The first half ended with the defending champions leading 1-0.
At the start of the final period, Yamikani Fodya made three substitutions, bringing on Osman George, Brian Mwase, and Aubrey Dickies in place of Blessing Lungu, Hassan Madula, and Gift Frank, as he was looking for fresh legs into the match.
In the 45th minute, Mphatso Julius had a golden opportunity to level the score. A defensive lapse by Bullets left him one-on-one with the Hopeson Phiri, but his effort went off target.
Young Maule responded by making further substitutions, with Christopher Namponya and Thole Sachenja replacing Kasalanga and Mdedza. The changes seemed to work, as we won a corner kick in the 51st minute. Biziwiki stepped up to take it, but the host defense stood firm, clearing the danger.
The game began to open up as both teams pushed for a goal. After an hour mark, Fodya’s boys won a free kick, but Sachenja’s effort was cleared by McDonald Banda. The match was now a tense, end-to-end affair, with both teams coming close to scoring.
The defining moment of the match came in the 80th minute. Ekhaya, desperate for an equalizer, launched a fierce attack. Julius found himself in space and unleashed a powerful shot, but ‘keeper Phiri made a stunning save. However, the rebound fell kindly to Payika, who made no mistake, slotting the ball into the back of the net.
The final minutes were a frantic scramble, with both teams pushing for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that reflected the balance of play.
What it means
The 1-1 stalemate with Ekhaya marks a cautious but steady start for Bullets as they begin their title defense campaign. The result places our Under 19s temporarily at the top of Group B with one point, as other teams are yet to play their opening matches on Sunday.
Fodya post-match reaction
“Of course, it’s a mixed feeling to start our title defense with a draw. We showed good character in the first half, especially with the goal, but we need to be more clinical in front. Missing those chances cost us today and we’ll learn from this. We’ll go back, work on our finishing and defensive organization, and come back stronger. This is a long journey, and we’ll keep fighting to defend our title.”
