FCB Nyasa Big Bullets stormed to a 3–0 victory over Dedza Dynamos at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon, opening a four-point gap at the summit of the TNM Super League.
The result was inspired by a brilliant all-round performance from Player of the Match Chikumbutso Salima, who scored the opener, created the second and forced the own goal for the third.
Bright Start from Maule
The People’s Team began with real intent and nearly found the opener inside the first minute.
Mike Mkwate broke free one-on-one with goalkeeper Dennis Phiri, but his weaker effort rolled agonisingly wide.
Dedza responded with back-to-back free kicks through Frank Chikufenji, but Innocent Nyasulu was equal to both deliveries.
Salima Strikes First
Bullets pressed on and created another chance in the 14th minute. Salima’s cross was parried by Phiri before Peter Banda fired wide from the rebound.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute. Dedza failed to clear Mkwate’s cross and, after a scramble in the box, Salima pounced to slot home the opener — sparking celebrations from the home crowd.
By the half-hour mark, Bullets were in full control. Dedza reacted with a double substitution in the 34th minute, bringing on David Habu and Chikondi Mbeta.
Two minutes later, Paul Master hesitated in possession, allowing Phiri to gather despite three Bullets attackers being well-positioned.
In the 42nd minute, Salima almost doubled his tally after a flowing move involving Master, Mkwate, Banda, and Babatunde Adepoju. He failed to connect with his header into an unguarded goal, and Bullets went into the break leading 1–0.
Gumbo Makes an Impact
Peter Mponda made a double switch at the break, introducing Frank Willard and Chawanangwa Gumbo for Khumbo Banda and Mike Mkwate.
The changes made an instant impact. In the 49th minute, Adepoju rattled the post after being set up by Master.
Just a minute later, Salima turned provider with a low cross that Gumbo tapped in for 2–0, sending Kamuzu Stadium into celebrations.
Bullets continued to dominate. In the 53rd minute, Wongani Lungu forced Phiri into a fine save from range as Dedza struggled to test Nyasulu.
Salima Sparks the Third
On the hour mark, Bullets remained firmly in charge. Master was forced off injured in the 63rd minute and replaced by Blessings Joseph. Dedza earned a free kick, but Frank Sanudi’s delivery was cleared by Gumbo.
The hosts stretched their lead in the 67th minute. Salima’s strike took a heavy deflection off Habu and wrong-footed Phiri for the third, underlining Salima’s dominance — a goal, an assist, and the spark for the own goal.
Familiar Faces Clash
The clash carried extra spice in the 68th minute.
Former Dedza striker Maxwell Phodo came on for Bullets, while Dedza withdrew ex-Maule forward Luke Chima.
It was a duel of familiar faces, but Bullets’ depth kept them on top.
Mponda then introduced Ephraim Kondowe in the 75th minute. Dedza carved out a rare chance soon after, with Ackim Mponda sending a Chiwaya cross wide.
In the 81st minute, Salima produced another blistering run down the right, though his cross for Kondowe was intercepted.
Kondowe later won a free kick in the 88th minute, but Banda’s attempt went over the bar. With four minutes of stoppage time added, Maule remained untroubled and saw the game out comfortably.
Statement Win at Kamuzu
The referee’s whistle confirmed a commanding 3–0 victory for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. Salima was the standout, scoring the opener, assisting the second, and forcing the third to deserve the Player of the Match crown.
Gumbo made an immediate impact off the bench, while Phodo added energy against his former club.
For Dedza, it was an afternoon of chasing shadows. Their best opportunities came from set-pieces, but they rarely threatened Nyasulu’s goal.
It was a statement win for Maule — dominant, clinical, and confident — as the champions not only collected three points but also stretched their lead at the top to four over Mighty Wanderers, who have a game in hand in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Post-Match Reaction
First assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa hailed his charges’ ability to dominate possession as the key to victory.
“Keeping the ball away from the opponents was the key to beating Dedza Dynamos. This wasn’t a surprise because we did the same against The Boys SFC in the FDH Bank Cup last week. When you keep the ball longer, opponents end up chasing and get tired. It paid off in the end,” he said.
Chirwa reserved special praise for Player of the Match Chikumbutso Salima, who was directly involved in all three goals.
“Salima had a huge impact today. He scored the opener, set up the second, and his shot forced the own goal. He has added another dimension to his game — combining his speed and agility with goals and creativity. Performances like this lift the whole team, and the rest of the boys responded well around him,” Chirwa noted.
The assistant coach also highlighted the collective effort.
“It was a good game. Playing at home, we dominated and scored three goals, which gave us the three points. Everyone played their part and followed instructions against a stubborn opponent. That’s what makes this win even more satisfying,” he concluded.
This was Bullets’ biggest league win over Dedza Dynamos and the first time Maule completed a league double over them. The first-round encounter ended 1–0 in Dedza through a late strike from Salima, which ended Dynamos’ unbeaten run against Bullets at their backyard.
Bullets now lead the table with 43 points from 18 games, four ahead of Wanderers, who have played one game less.
What’s Next
The leaders return to Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday when they host defending champions Silver Strikers in another high-profile TNM Super League showdown.
