FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 recorded a 2–0 victory over Airsport FC to move into second place in the Blantyre District Youth Football League on Saturday morning at Mpira Stadium.
Jazil Bannet and Esau Kumwenda scored the goals that secured all three points for the Young Maule, keeping them in the hunt at the top of the table.
The win comes after last weekend’s 3–1 victory over Extending Hope, continuing the team’s strong form as they enter the crucial final stages of the campaign.
First Half: Bullets Pressure but Fail to Break Through
Yamikani Fodya’s boys started on the front foot, showing clear intent to control proceedings. Inside the opening five minutes, Charles Kasalanga went close after a neat setup from Blessings Lungu, but the effort was well saved by Airsport goalkeeper Joseph Chirwa.
The visitors briefly threatened in the 13th minute with a corner, but Bullets dealt with the danger confidently. Darlington Fletcher rose well to clear his lines.
Our youngsters continued to build momentum. In the 16th minute, Joel Maziya had a couple of opportunities, including a corner and a shot after a Lungu setup, but both efforts went wide. His brother, Gomezgani Maziya, delivered the set piece from the corner, but the visitors cleared effectively.
In the 20th minute, Fodya made an early change. Fletcher, who picked up an injury, was replaced by Mike Kalanda. Despite the adjustment, Young Maule continued pressing high, creating chances, and controlling possession.
By the 27th minute, Airsport tried to push forward, but Bullets remained alert. A corner in the 28th minute and another attempt from Joel Maziya went just wide. In the 34th minute, his free kick went straight into Chirwa’s hands.
The 38th minute saw a big chance for Bannet, set up by Kasalanga, but the striker failed to convert. Airsport had a final first-half opportunity in the 40th minute, but goalkeeper Hassan Assima comfortably claimed the ball.
The half ended 0–0, with Bullets dominating possession and creating the better chances.
Second Half: Bannet and Kumwenda Fire Bullets to Victory
Bullets began the second half with a tactical shake-up. Osman George and Kumwenda replaced Joel Maziya and Blessings Lungu, injecting fresh energy into the attack.
The home side started brightly, winning a corner early, delivered by Willy Demakube. The Airsport defence cleared effectively. Bullets maintained high intensity, with crosses from Kumwenda and George testing the backline.
Bullets carried momentum from the first half and took the lead in the 50th minute through Jazil Bannet. The move was sparked by Esau Kumwenda, who released Mike Kalanda, allowing Bannet to find space and calmly slot the ball into an empty net, giving Young Maule a 1–0 advantage.
Just four minutes later, Bannet turned provider, laying the ball off to Kumwenda, who finished with composure to double Bullets’ lead to 2–0, giving the home side breathing space and control over the game.
By the 60th minute, Airsport came close to pulling one back, but Bullets’ defence remained alert, with Aubrey Dickies clearing the danger. At the other end, Bullets won a corner, delivered by Maziya, but the effort sailed wide.
In the 69th minute, Bullets made another double substitution. Caleb Chapendeka and Victor Chimenya replaced Kasalanga and Yusuf Chambakata, adding fresh legs to maintain attacking momentum.
Airsport had a late set-piece opportunity in the 73rd minute, but their free kick went harmlessly over the bar. Bullets continued to create chances, with Kalanda setting up Bannet in the 76th minute, though the shot flew over the bar.
In the 80th minute, a counter-attack from Victor Chimenya was ruled out for offside as the visitors thought they had pulled one back.
Bullets managed the remainder of the game effectively, keeping possession and seeing out a deserved 2–0 win.
What It Means
The victory consolidates Bullets’ position near the top of the BDYFL table. After 27 games, the Young Maule now have 53 points, moving temporarily into second place.
Leaders Mighty Wanderers Youth, on 61 points, will face third-placed Ekhaya Youth, who have 51 points, on Sunday, keeping the title race very much alive.
What’s Next
Bullets will aim to maintain momentum and consistency as the league enters a crucial phase. Every point counts in the title race, and our youth side will look to build on this win in their next BDYFL fixture against Ekhaya Youth.
Coach’s Post-Match Reaction
After the final whistle, head coach Fodya reflected on the performance:
“It was not an easy match as our opponents came well-prepared. We couldn’t find a breakthrough in the first half despite creating several chances, but after some tactical adjustments at halftime, we were able to take control and push forward.
“The substitutes made a real impact, helping create the first goal and scoring the second.
We’ll take confidence from this win as we prepare to face Ekhaya. Our focus remains on developing players who can represent Bullets across all levels, and we look forward to seeing the squad continue to grow as the league concludes.”
