FCB Nyasa Big Bullets U17 suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Zambia Select in their third match of the Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament at the Crocs Swamp on Saturday afternoon, ending a busy day that also included a morning fixture against hosts Kafue Celtic.
Joel Munyiko’s first-half strike proved decisive in a closely contested encounter as Bullets pushed for an equaliser but were ultimately unable to break down the Zambia Select defence.
Munyiko strikes in first half
Both sides showed attacking intent from the opening whistle, with Zambia Select winning the first corner of the match inside the opening exchanges, though Bullets defended it well.
The young Bullets soon threatened at the other end when Elias Redson was released inside the penalty area, but his header drifted wide of the target.
Zambia Select responded with a chance of their own moments later, but their effort drifted off target as the lively contest continued.
At the other end, Ahamad Ayami continued to marshal the Bullets defence well as the youngsters looked to contain Zambia Select’s attacking threat.
Redson remained heavily involved and later created space for a shot, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when Joel Munyiko found the net to hand Zambia Select the lead.
Bullets responded positively and mounted sustained pressure in search of an equaliser, winning three successive corners in the closing stages of the first half. However, the youngsters were unable to make the most of the set-piece opportunities.
Gomegzani Maziya was shown a yellow card late in the half as Bullets went into the interval trailing 1-0.
Bullets push but Zambia hold firm
Bullets returned from the break determined to get back into the contest and immediately began asking questions of the Zambia Select defence.
Hopeson Phiri produced an important save early in the second half before Bullets successfully dealt with the resulting corner.
A free kick in a promising position led to sustained pressure from Bullets, who forced Zambia Select into conceding successive corners as they searched for a breakthrough.
The pressure continued midway through the half, with another corner creating danger before Zambia Select managed to clear their lines.
Bullets continued to enjoy more of the attacking momentum but could not find the final touch needed to force an equaliser.
Looking for a route back into the contest, Yamikani Fodya made a triple substitution. Justin Chipewa replaced Gomegzani Maziya, with Ahamad Ayami taking over the captain’s armband, while Mike Kalanda came on for Misheck Beka and Esau Yotamu replaced Elias Redson.
Despite continued effort from Bullets, Zambia Select held firm during four minutes of stoppage time to secure victory.
Bullets will now look to bounce back in Sunday’s third-place playoff as they aim to end their campaign in Lusaka on a positive note.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets XI
1 Hopeson Phiri; 84 Thole Sachenja, 79 Francis Alfazema, 89 Ahamad Ayami, 93 Prince Jamali; 78 Timothy George, 82 Gomegzani Maziya (C) (95 Justin Chipewa 50’), 88 Chikondi Howa; 90 Emmanuel Kaswaswa, 81 Elias Redson (94 Esau Yotamu 53’), 76 Misheck Beka (87 Mike Kalanda 50’).
Substitutes Not Used
16 Hassan Asima, 80 Precious Juma, 83 Shenard Lolen, 92 Kelvin Phiri, 86 Phumziro Mataka, 77 Dickson Kameza, 85 Andrew Ndeule.
Zambia Select XI
John Mwela; Jeff Banda, Luckson Sikamwe, Emmanuel Kamuango, Emmanuel Chisabanga; Joseph Chizowa, Darius Musonda; Kennedy Musonda, Steven Lungu, Milton Kambimbi; Joel Munyiko.
Goals
Zambia Select: Joel Munyiko 19’
Bookings
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets: Gomegzani Maziya
Match Details
Fixture: Zambia Select U17 vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets U17
Competition: Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament
Venue: Crocs Swamp
Half-time: Zambia Select 1-0 Bullets
Result: Zambia Select 1-0 Bullets
