FCB Nyasa Big Bullets showcased their dominance in the TNM Super League once again, cruising to a decisive 4-0 victory over Kamuzu Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Following last week’s disappointing outing, head coach Peter Mponda openly expressed his frustration and called for an immediate turnaround from his squad. The players responded in style, delivering a thrilling performance against The Soldiers.
Goals from Mike Mkwate, Chikumbutso Salima, and Wongani Lungu put Bullets firmly in control before halftime, while substitute Sean Mcbrams came off the bench to put the result beyond doubt with 15 minutes remaining.
The First Half
Mponda opted for a 3-4-3 formation, positioning Blessings Mpokera, Clyde Senaji, and Yankho Singo in defense. The midfield featured Lloyd Aaron, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Mike Mkwate, and Wongani Lungu, while Babatunde Adepoju spearheaded the attack, flanked by Chikumbutso Salima and Maxwell Phodo on the wings.
From the opening whistle, Bullets set a high tempo, quickly taking control of possession and searching for an early goal. Their dominance paid off just six minutes in, when Mkwate found the net in stunning fashion.
The move began with Phodo driving into attack and unleashing a shot, which was parried by Hastings Banda. The rebound fell to Babatunde, who was denied at the last moment by Hope Namadzunda’s crucial clearance. Ultimately, the ball landed perfectly for Mkwate, who nodded it home, finally beating Banda — who managed to get a touch — for a 1-0 lead.
Bullets’ relentless pressure was unmistakable as they packed the midfield and dictated play. We nearly doubled our tally in the eighth minute, only to be thwarted by another Banda save. However, the chance was flagged offside against Babatunde and wouldn’t have counted.
Undeterred, the home side pressed on and struck again in the 11th minute. Persistent attacks down the right flank by Mpokera and Phodo resulted in a quickly taken throw-in. Mpokera combined with Babatunde and Phodo before swinging in a cross, met by Salima, whose soaring header left Banda helpless, extending the lead to 2-0.
By the 20-minute mark, Bullets — led by the lively Phodo, Babatunde, Mkwate, Lungu, Aaron, and Salima — were firmly in control. The visitors found themselves on the back foot, forced to defend deep and chase shadows.
A rare opportunity presented itself for the visitors when Zeliat Nkhoma weaved past Yankho Singo to go one-on-one with Nyasulu, only to pull his shot wide and squander the possibility of a comeback. Nkhoma came close again in the 33rd minute, meeting a fine cross from Gregory Nachipo, but failed to convert from close range.
Failing to capitalize proved costly for KB, as Bullets struck again before halftime. Salima showcased sharp footwork to evade Micheal Mtonyo and Lloyd Mugala before teeing up Lungu, who powered his shot past Banda for a third goal.
In response to the growing deficit, the visitors made tactical adjustments, sending on Joseph Pitrin and Haggrey Thobwa for Sam Gunda and Hastings Banda, aiming to shore up their midfield.
Bullets nearly inflicted further damage before the break when Salima released Babatunde down the left, but the striker opted for a shot from a tight angle instead of finding the unmarked Lungu, making for an easy stop for Banda as the first half ended.
The Second Half
At the start of the final period, Mponda, probably with an eye on the forthcoming Blantyre derby, introduced Ephraim Kondowe, McBrams, Frank Willard, and Henry Chiwaya for Babatunde, Salima, Aaron, and Mkwate. KB responded by bringing on Sammy Chibvunde for Namadzunda.
Just three minutes into the second half, Phodo was sent through by Lungu but saw his shot expertly saved by Banda, who continued to impress between the posts. Banda was called into action again moments later, this time denying Chiwaya, with Chibvunde clearing the ensuing corner.
Mponda’s men continued their aggressive approach and came close to a fourth in the 56th minute, but Chibvunde blocked Lungu’s goal-bound effort, with KB successfully defending the resulting set-piece.
Seeking more attacking threat, KB coach Mhango brought on Olson Kanjira for Thobwa. Kanjira made his presence felt immediately, sparking the visitors’ only real attacking spell as Senaji, appearing in his third straight league match, stood tall in defence for Bullets.
In the 63rd minute, Kondowe had a golden opportunity but shot straight at Banda. Two minutes later, Kondowe, played in by Lungu, was brought down by Banda on the edge of the box. The foul resulted in a free kick, which Lungu struck harmlessly into the defensive wall. Despite being the last defender and denying a clear scoring chance, Banda escaped with a yellow rather than a red card.
The fourth goal eventually arrived in the 75th minute, with McBrams unleashing a powerful shot from 24 yards, beating Banda at his near post to seal a 4-0 lead.
With 12 minutes left on the clock, Banda once again denied Kondowe, who was set up unmarked by Phodo’s precise pass from the right. Shortly after, Ernest Petro replaced Phodo in the 79th minute. The second half highlighted KB’s struggles, as they failed to register a single shot on target. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 4-0 triumph for The People’s Team.
What It Means
With our triumph over Kamuzu Baracks, Bullets have maintained a flawless opening to our 2025 campaign—amassing 18 points from six games, netting 20 goals, and conceding only one.
Looking Ahead
Next Saturday, the stage is set for an eagerly awaited showdown as Mponda’s team faces second-placed Mighty Wanderers in the season’s first Blantyre derby at Kamuzu Stadium.
