FCB Nyasa Big Bullets U17 suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Kafue Celtic in their second match of the Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament at the Crocs Swamp in Zambia on Saturday morning.
After matching the hosts for much of the contest, Bullets were undone by a late Caleb Musonda brace as Kafue Celtic secured victory.
Bullets stand firm before the break
Kafue Celtic made a bright start and enjoyed much of the attacking momentum during the opening stages of the match.
The hosts won a succession of corners as they searched for an early breakthrough, but Bullets remained organised defensively and dealt well with the danger.
A free kick from just outside the penalty area presented another opening for the hosts, but the effort drifted wide of the target.
Despite the pressure, Bullets remained organised at the back, with Ahamad Ayami and Prince Jamali helping repel a series of Kafue Celtic attacks while Hassan Asima dealt confidently with the efforts that came his way.
As the half progressed, Bullets grew into the game and began to ask questions of the Kafue Celtic defence. A promising chance arrived late in the opening period, but the youngsters were unable to make it count as the teams headed into the interval locked at 0-0.
Bullets threaten after restart
Bullets made a change at the break, introducing Misheck Beka for Andrew Ndeule, while Kafue Celtic made wholesale changes to their side as the hosts looked to inject fresh energy into the contest.
The hosts threatened shortly after the restart, but Asima produced an important intervention to deny them a clear opportunity.
Bullets then enjoyed their best spell of the match. Dickson Kameza was presented with a glorious chance from close range but fired over the crossbar.
The changes helped Bullets gain a greater foothold in the contest as the youngsters began to ask more questions of the Kafue Celtic defence.
Kelvin Phiri later became the first Bullets player booked before another promising move saw Esau Yotamu release Chikondi Howa, only for the midfielder to slip at the crucial moment and lose possession after his boot came off.
Bullets continued to push forward and won several corners, with one of Prince Jamali’s deliveries striking the side netting.
Musonda strikes late
The hosts’ pressure eventually told in the 55th minute when Caleb Musonda found the net to break the deadlock.
Kafue Celtic nearly doubled their advantage moments later, but Isaac Mosen failed to convert a golden opportunity.
Musonda would not be denied again, however, as he grabbed his second goal of the match in the 59th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Bullets made a late change with Timothy George replacing Mike Kalanda before the final whistle, but the hosts held on to secure victory.
Bullets will quickly turn their attention to Zambia Select, whom they face at the Crocs Swamp this afternoon in their third match of the tournament and second outing of the day.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets XI
16 Hassan Asima; 79 Francis Alfazema, 89 Ahamad Ayami, 93 Prince Jamali, 92 Kelvin Phiri; 82 Gomegzani Maziya (C), 88 Chikondi Howa, 87 Mike Kalanda (78 Timothy George 59’); 94 Esau Yotamu, 77 Dickson Kameza, 85 Andrew Ndeule (76 Misheck Beka 31’).
Substitutes Not Used
1 Hopeson Phiri, 75 Shenard Lolen, 84 Thole Sachenja, 98 Phunziro Mataka, 80 Precious Juma, 91 Blessings Chuma, 95 Justin Chipewa, 90 Emmanuel Kaswaswa, 81 Elias Redson.
Kafue Celtic XI
1 Chipo Siweme; 19 Goden Chabwe, 12 Maina Kapalu, 4 Emmanuel Mbili, 15 Zebron Banda, 5 Yosoon Chilemi, 31 Chama Chansa, 8 Nthasilwe Malupande, 9 Caleb Musonda, 10 Charles Mwiwa, 23 Lesa Nyafe.
Goals
Kafue Celtic: Caleb Musonda (55′, 59′)
Bookings
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets: Kelvin Phiri
Kafue Celtic: Peter Kakoma
Match Details
Fixture: Kafue Celtic U17 vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets U17
Competition: Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament
Venue: Crocs Swamp
Half-time: 0-0
Result: Kafue Celtic 2-0 Bullets
