FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Young Stars on Sunday at Mpira Stadium, thanks to a second-half strike from Hassan Madula.
First Half: Young Bullets Start Brightly
The young Bullets began the match on the front foot, showing attacking intent from the first whistle. In the 4th minute, Blessings Lungu won a corner and combined cleverly with Osman George, but the hosts read the play well and cleared the danger.
By the ninth minute, Yamikani Fodya’s boys were dictating possession, pushing forward as they searched for the opening goal. The young Maule had a brief spell of pressure, but goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri kept the youngsters in the game with a brilliant save in the 14th minute.
Bullets continued to press, with Charles Kasalanga, Blessings Lungu, and Jazil Bannet delivering threatening crosses by the 20th minute. Despite their attacking efforts, the hosts remained resolute at the back.
In the 27th minute, Bullets won a free kick, but Bannet’s effort sailed wide. As the half progressed, Young Stars tried to capitalize on counter-attacks, but our defensive organization held firm.
The opening 35-minute period ended goalless, with both sides having had their moments. The shortened halves were due to the upcoming first-team TNM Super League fixture against Ekhaya FC.
Second Half: Fresh Legs and a Decisive Goal
Fodya made a double substitution at the restart of the second half, introducing Esau Kumwenda and Aubrey Dickies for Osman George and Francis Kamuyambeni to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Shortly after, a corner from Kumwenda to Kasalanga was comfortably saved by the home side’s goalkeeper.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute. Ahmed Ayami started a well-worked free kick, releasing Dickies, who released Madula and the forward beat the offside trap before he calmly slotted home to give the young Bullets the lead, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Bullets continued to press for a second goal. In the 45th minute, Bannet launched a swift counter-attack, but his shot was saved, and Madula’s rebound effort went over the bar.
By the 52nd minute, the young Maule won another corner and a free kick, but Dickies’ attempt went wide. In the 57th minute, Esau Kumwenda sent in a dangerous cross, but Kasalanga’s shot sailed over the bar.
Fodya made another substitution soon after, bringing Emanuel Kaswaswa on for Blessings Lungu.
Young Stars threatened sporadically. In the 62nd minute, they earned a corner, but the delivery sailed over the bar.
Bullets made another tactical double substitution in the 68th minute, introducing Gomezgani Maziya and Kelvin Phiri for Bannet and Caleb Chapendeka to maintain attacking momentum.
In the 70th minute, Young Stars again won a corner, but their effort was comfortably cleared. As the second half was extended to 40 minutes, the hosts had a golden chance to equalize but blasted their closest opportunity from close range over the bar.
Full-Time: Young Bullets Hold On
The match ended 1-0 in favor of the young Bullets, thanks to Hassan Madula’s second-half strike.
This victory keeps the young Bullets in strong contention in the Blantyre District Youth Football League.
What It Means
The result means Bullets now have 46 points, sitting five points behind Mighty Wanderers Youth, who won 2-1 against Extending Hope. The league race remains tight, and every point will be crucial as the season approaches its final stages.
What’s Next
The youngsters will now shift focus to their next league fixture against Extending Hope, aiming to close the gap at the top and maintain their strong run of form. Fodya’s boys will look to carry the momentum from this victory into the upcoming clash.
