Chikumbutso Salima’s decisive second-half header secured a vital 1-0 win for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets over Mafco FC at Champion Stadium on Sunday afternoon, a result that pulls The People’s Team within one point of TNM Super League leaders Mighty Wanderers.
Fresh from a 2-0 triumph over Mzuzu City Hammers on Thursday, Bullets headed into their final away game of the first round with confidence—and determined to capitalise on Wanderers’ 1-1 draw against Chitipa United 24 hours earlier.
And when it mattered most, Bullets delivered again on the road, picking up another three points to make it six out of six from their Northern and Central Region trip and closing the gap in the title race.
Bullets Grind Out Big Win on The Road
Peter Mponda made one change from the team that beat Mzuzu City Hammers 2-0 on Thursday, with Henry Chiwaya starting at left wingback in place of Babatunde Adepoju, who dropped to the bench.
Bullets signalled their intent early. In the 7th minute, Lameck Gamphani made a blistering run on the right, only to drag his shot inches wide of the far post.
Moments later, Yamikani Mologeni whipped in a fine delivery to find Gamphani again, but his header narrowly missed the target as Bullets pushed for an opener.
Mponda made two early tactical substitutions, bringing on Hassan Kajoke and Maxwell Phodo for Gamphani and Frank Willard, the captain having picked up a booking.
At the other end, Mafco nearly punished Bullets on the counter when Prince Kachere beat his man and hit the post. Minutes later, Innocent Nyasulu was called into action, producing a brilliant stop to deny Kachere again.
Bullets created two more openings before the break, the best being a flowing move involving Mologeni, Lungu and Phodo, which ended with Kajoke’s effort being blocked in the box following a miscommunication.
Final Half: Salima Heads Us to Victory
Babatunde came on for Phodo to add firepower in attack, and Bullets nearly went ahead when Mikuwa spilled Salima’s cross. The rebound fell to Babatunde, but he blasted over from a tight angle.
Mafco almost responded immediately through Rodwell Robert, whose cross flashed dangerously across the face of goal, with Kachere arriving late by inches.
As both sides hunted for the opener, Bullets introduced Mike Mkwate for Kajoke to strengthen midfield control, and Peter Banda replaced Kondowe with 15 minutes to go.
Then came the breakthrough.
In the 77th minute, Salima, having started the move with a ball recovery on the left, delivered a cross that was only partially cleared. Mologeni seized possession and returned a perfectly-weighted cross to the far post, where Salima, ghosting in, nodded home with composure. 1-0.
Bullets pushed for a second, with Babatunde forcing Mikuwa into another save. The clearance landed at the feet of Paul Master, who unleashed a rocket — but Ndhlovu made a last-ditch block to keep Mafco in the contest.
In the dying moments, Bullets defended resolutely to see off late pressure and secure back-to-back away wins ahead of next weekend’s final first-round fixture.
Master The Midfield General
Midfielder Paul Master was immense throughout the 90 minutes, covering every blade of grass and controlling the tempo of the game. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award—his first in Bullets colours since joining two months ago.
What It Means
The victory in Mponela means The People’s Team now sits on 33 points, just one behind leaders Mighty Wanderers (34), with both sides having played 14 games.
We will now return home to Kamuzu Stadium for our final first-round fixture against Karonga United, while Wanderers face Civil Service United away in Lilongwe.
It’s all to play for—and the fight continues.
