FCB Nyasa Big Bullets U17 fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against fellow Malawian side Ascent Academy in their opening match of the Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament at Crocs Swamp in Lusaka on Friday.
Gift Chibala handed Ascent the lead before substitute Chikondi Howa came off the bench to inspire a second-half comeback and earn Bullets a share of the spoils.
Chibala puts Ascent ahead
Ascent settled quicker and enjoyed much of the early possession, registering the first attempts on goal as they looked to make a strong start.
Bullets remained organised at the back despite the early pressure, with centre-half Ahamad Ayami producing a commanding defensive display while goalkeeper Hassan Asima dealt confidently with the efforts that came his way.
The first booking of the match arrived in the 15th minute when Francis Alfazema was cautioned for a foul just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick was deflected behind for a corner, which Bullets defended successfully.
Ascent’s persistence was rewarded in the 26th minute when Chibala capitalised on a defensive error by Bullets to fire his side into the lead.
Bullets searched for a response but went into the interval trailing by a goal after the opening 30 minutes.
Howa inspires Bullets comeback
Looking to change the momentum, Yamikani Fodya introduced Shenard Lolen and Chikondi Howa at the start of the second half in place of Esau Yotamu and Blessings Chuma.
The changes had the desired effect as Bullets emerged from the interval with greater purpose and began to ask more questions of the Ascent defence.
After winning a corner kick in the 38th minute, Bullets found their equaliser two minutes later through Howa.
The substitute needed only nine minutes on the pitch to make his mark. After winning the ball just outside the box, Howa turned away from his marker and shifted onto his left foot before curling a fine effort into the far corner to level the scores.
Fodya made another change shortly afterwards, introducing Elias Redson for Emmanuel Kaswaswa as Bullets pushed for a winner.
The young Bullets thought they had created a promising opening in the 53rd minute, but the move was halted by the assistant referee’s offside flag.
Ayami continued to marshal the defence effectively during the closing stages as Bullets stood firm to secure a point from their opening fixture.
Earlier in the day, hosts Kafue Celtic U17 and Zambia Select U17 played out a goalless draw in the tournament’s opening fixture.
The result leaves all four teams level on one point after the opening round of fixtures.
With two matches still to play in the round-robin competition, Bullets remain firmly in contention ahead of Saturday’s meeting with the hosts, while Ascent Academy take on Zambia Select U17.
Match Details
Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament
Bullets 1-1 Ascent Academy
Scorers: Howa 40′; Chibala 26′
Bullets Starting XI: 16 Hassan Asima, 79 Francis Alfazema, 89 Ahamad Ayami, 93 Prince Jamali, 92 Kelvin Phiri, 82 Gomegzani Maziya (C), 91 Blessings Chuma, 87 Mike Kalanda, 94 Esau Yotamu, 90 Emmanuel Kaswaswa, 76 Misheck Beka.
Substitutes used: 77 Shenard Lolen, 88 Chikondi Howa, 81 Elias Redson.
Unused substitutes: 1 Hopeson Phiri, 84 Thole Sachenja, 86 Phumziro Mataka, 80 Precious Juma, 78 Timothy George, 95 Justin Chipewa, 75 Dickson Kameza, 85 Andrew Ndeule.
Ascent Academy Starting XI: 1 Prince Phiri, 12 Edward Kalua, 17 Ethan Muluzi, 14 Tadala Mughogho, 11 Raheel Pillane, 6 Razak Mahmoud, 8 Desire Kachepa, 4 Bright Evansi, 5 Gift Chibala, 9 Stanley Ekarhi, 10 Yusuf Nantunga.
Substitutes used: 7 Faizal Mangulenje Phiri, 13 Jeffrey Bisani, 3 Grant Chibala.
Unused substitutes: None.
Booked: Francis Alfazema (15′).
Meta description
Bullets U17 fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Ascent Academy in their opening match of the Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament in Lusaka.
Web tags
Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament, Bullets U17, Ascent Academy, Yamikani Fodya, Chikondi Howa, Ahamad Ayami, Youth Football, Lusaka
