FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19s delivered a composed and dominant performance to claim a 2–0 victory over CC Stars in a Blantyre District Youth Football League encounter at Mpira Stadium on Monday morning.
The young Maule controlled possession, created the clearer chances, and showed maturity in key moments as second-half goals from Emanuel Kaswaswa and Charles Kasalanga sealed a deserved win.
First Half: Control Without Reward
Bullets started brightly, showing intent from the opening whistle.
In the 5th minute, Mike Kalanda registered the first real attempt of the match, forcing a low save from the goalkeeper after neat work from Jazil Bannet.
The momentum continued to build as Hassan Madula went close moments later, meeting a clever through-ball from Kasalanga, a move initiated superbly from the back by Kaswaswa.
Despite Bullets’ dominance, CC Stars managed their first spell of danger in the 15th minute, winning a corner that was comfortably dealt with by the hosts.
The young Maule kept the pressure on, earning consecutive corners through Kaswaswa’s delivery in the 20th minute, but the visitors’ goalkeeper stood firm.
Bullets’ best opportunity of the half came in the 25th minute following beautiful link-up play. Kasalanga and Ahmed Ayami combined to release Bannet on the right, whose deflected strike fell for Kaswaswa — the midfielder’s powerful follow-up was brilliantly saved.
Kalanda came close again in the 35th minute, rising highest to meet another Kaswaswa corner but heading narrowly wide.
Despite controlling possession and tempo, Bullets went into the break still searching for a breakthrough as the first half ended goalless.
Second Half: Young Maule Turn On the Class
Bullets introduced Vincent Moyo at the restart in place of Kalanda, adding pace and freshness up top — and the impact was immediate.
Within minutes, Madula whipped a teasing cross into the box, but no one was able to finish off the move.
Bullets continued to push forward, earning a corner in the 50th minute, though Moyo’s delivery was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.
Two quick bookings followed for Bullets players, but the side responded with renewed attacking intent.
A sharp counter-attack in the 53rd minute saw Kasalanga release Bannet, who set up Kaswaswa, but the midfielder’s strike sailed over the bar.
CC Stars then produced their biggest chance of the afternoon, beating the Bullets goalkeeper but somehow failing to convert.
Bullets nearly punished them immediately. In the 54th minute, Bannet curled a superb free kick that rattled the upright — a clear sign that a goal was coming.
Kaswaswa Breaks Through, Kasalanga Finishes the Job
The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute.
A brilliant attacking move ended with Bannet threading a clever pass into Emanuel Kaswaswa, who timed his run perfectly and slotted home at the near post to make it 1–0.
Bullets stayed on the front foot and doubled their lead in the 73rd minute.
Kasalanga won possession high up the pitch, surged forward and calmly placed his effort beyond the goalkeeper to put the result firmly in Bullets’ hands.
Moments later, Prince Jamali replaced Kaswaswa as the team looked to maintain energy and control in midfield.
The young Maule managed the closing stages with maturity, keeping possession and limiting CC Stars to minimal chances. The referee signalled full time with the score at 2–0, sealing a well-earned victory built on patience, control and second-half sharpness.
What It Means
The victory keeps Yamikani Fodya’s youngsters firmly in the title race. Bullets Under-19s remain second in the standings with 37 points from 18 games, just one point behind rivals Mighty Wanderers Youth, who are set to face Ntopwa Youth on Sunday. The pressure stays on at the top as the young Maule continue their push for the BDYFL crown.
What’s Next
Bullets Under-19s will return to action next weekend as they look to build on Saturday’s victory and keep the pressure on at the top of the table. With the title race heating up, Fodya’s charges will aim to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures and strengthen their pursuit of the BDYFL championship.
