FCB Nyasa Big Bullets returned to the top of the TNM Super League after a deserved 2-0 victory against Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Goals from Chikumbutso Salima and Babatunde Adepoju secured all three points, giving Maule a slender one-point lead over Mighty Wanderers at the summit.
Head Coach Peter Mponda made four changes to the side that defeated Civil Service United, welcoming back Yamikani Mologeni, Andrew Jovinala, Aaron Chilipa, and vice-captain Babatunde Adepoju to the starting XI.
Richard Chimbamba also returned to the bench after four weeks on the sidelines.
First-Half: Bullets Dominate Early Exchanges
Bullets started strongly, creating several early chances. Babatunde struck the crossbar, Kondowe fired the rebound wide, and moments later another header from Babatunde went off target from a precise Chikumbutso Salima delivery.
Wongani Lungu also tested goalkeeper Charles Chisale before Babatunde’s header from a corner was cleared off the line, keeping KB under constant pressure.
Salima Opens the Scoring
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute. Chawanangwa Gumbo released Salima with a brilliant through-ball, and the winger calmly slotted past Chisale to make it 1-0, rewarding Bullets’ early dominance.
Babatunde Doubles the Lead
In the 42nd minute, Salima turned provider, delivering an excellent cross for Babatunde, who rose highest to head past Chisale and make it 2-0. Both Salima and Babatunde now have 13 league goals each this season.
Second Half: Control and Missed Chances
At the break, Mponda made three substitutions, introducing Dominic Musonda, Sean McBrams, and Hassan Kajoke for Chilipa, Mapemba, and Kondowe.
Bullets created several chances, with McBrams linking well with Salima, Kajoke firing over from close range, and Babatunde denied in a one-on-one by KB’s substitute goalkeeper Hastings Banda. Kajoke later thought he had scored in the 83rd minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Nyasulu Holds Firm
As KB threatened late, Innocent Nyasulu made a key save to deny a scoring opportunity, and Bullets successfully defended the resulting corner. Substitutions of Peter Banda and Bright Munthali allowed Bullets to manage the closing minutes effectively, seeing out a deserved victory.
Player of the Match
For the second match running, Chikumbutso Salima was named Player of the Match, contributing a goal and an assist to the win.
What It Means
The victory sees Bullets return to the top of the standings with a one-point lead over Mighty Wanderers, who have 55 points from 23 games and a game in hand. The title race remains finely poised as the season approaches its decisive stages.
What’s Next
Bullets now head to the central border district of Mchinji to face Creck Sporting Club at Aubrey Dimba Stadium on Sunday, in their final Central Region league fixture of the campaign. Every point will be crucial as The People’s Team push to secure the championship.
Starting XI: Nyasulu; Mologeni, Mpokera, Jovinala, Chilipa (Musonda 46’); Gumbo, Lungu, Mapemba (McBrams 46); Salima (P. Banda 88’), Babatunde (c) (Munthali 88’), Kondowe (Kajoke 46’).
Subs Not Used: Chimbamba, Khumbo, Singo, Master.
Goals: Salima 13’, Babatunde 42’
