FCB Nyasa Big Bullets wrapped up our pre-season preparations with a 5-1 victory over Ntchisi Select at Champion Stadium in Mponela on Saturday afternoon.
The People’s Team delivered a strong performance in our final friendly ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, taking control of the match after a lively opening spell.
Bullets made a bright start and took the lead as early as the third minute when Dastan Banda powered home a header from close range after being picked out by a pinpoint cross from Peter Banda on the left.
There was an early setback in the 11th minute as goalkeeper McLean Mwale was forced off through injury, with Pilirani Mapira coming on as his replacement. It was an unfortunate moment for Mwale, who had also been withdrawn early in Thursday’s match against Goshen City Dedza Dynamos.
Ntchisi Select, a non-league side from the central district of Ntchisi, responded well and were level in the 15th minute when Limbani Kachingwe capitalised on a misplaced back pass from Wongani Lungu to finish clinically and make it 1-1.
Gilbert Chirwa’s men thought they had restored their lead shortly after when Peter Banda headed home from close range, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The midfielder made amends in the 25th minute, finishing superbly from outside the box after being set up by George Chaomba to restore Bullets’ lead.
Bullets remained in control as the half progressed, dictating the tempo and limiting the hosts to few clear opportunities.
Chawanangwa Gumbo added the third goal in the 41st minute after being picked out by Lungu, creating space before finishing decisively.
There was another setback for Bullets shortly after as Peter Banda was forced off following a heavy challenge, with Hassan Kajoke coming on as his replacement.
Bullets added a fourth just before the break, with Dastan Banda completing his brace by pouncing from close range after being picked out by Chaomba.
Bullets went into the break with a commanding 4-1 lead after a dominant first-half display.
The second half saw Bullets manage the game well, maintaining control despite being reduced to ten men in the 63rd minute when captain Willard was shown a straight red card following a dangerous challenge.
Kajoke took over the captain’s armband as Bullets reorganised, with the team continuing to control proceedings.
Further changes saw Julius Banda, Yankho Singo, Ephraim Kondowe and Prince Chiumia introduced as the technical team managed the game and rotated the squad, with young goalkeeper Julius Banda, promoted from the Reserves side, handed valuable minutes with the first team.
Maule remained composed in possession as the match progressed, seeing out the game with confidence.
Ephraim Kondowe sealed the victory in the 81st minute with a fine strike from the edge of the box after being set up by Gumbo, making it 5-1.
The result wraps up a positive pre-season campaign for Bullets, who opened preparations with a goalless draw against Red Lions in Zomba last Sunday, before recording a 2-0 win over Goshen City Dedza Dynamos on Thursday and playing out another stalemate against Kamuzu Barracks on Saturday.
Focus now shifts to the NBS Bank Charity Shield, where Bullets will face rivals Mighty Wanderers at Bingu National Stadium next Saturday to officially kick off the 2026/27 season.
Result: Ntchisi Select 1-5 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: Pre-Season Friendly
Venue: Champion Stadium, Mponela
