FCB Nyasa Big Bullets U17 secured third place at the Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament with a deserved 2-1 victory over fellow Malawian side Ascent Academy at Crocs Swamp in Lusaka on Sunday morning.
Goals from Mike Kalanda and Emmanuel Kaswaswa inside the opening 17 minutes laid the foundation for victory as the young Maule showed resilience to withstand a second-half fightback after being reduced to 10 players following Francis Alfazema’s dismissal.
Young Maule make dream start
The young Maule wasted little time asserting themselves and struck after just two minutes when Kalanda found the back of the net to hand Bullets an early advantage.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, Bullets continued to push forward and doubled their lead in the 17th minute through Kaswaswa, who finished off a well-worked attacking move to put his side firmly in command.
Ascent Academy looked to respond but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri, who produced an excellent reflex save to keep Bullets in front.
The contest took a dramatic turn in the 25th minute when Alfazema was sent off for a challenge just outside the penalty area, reducing Bullets to 10 players.
However, Ascent were unable to make the extra player count as the resulting free kick sailed over the crossbar.
Despite being a player down, Bullets remained organised and carried their two-goal lead into the half-time break.
Young Maule stand firm
Ascent Academy emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and began to enjoy more possession as they searched for a route back into the contest.
Phiri was called into action again early in the half before Yusuf Nantunga squandered a glorious opportunity, firing wide from close range with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Bullets came close to extending their advantage when Chikondi Howa struck the upright. Shortly afterwards, substitute Misheck Beka seized on another opening, rounded the advancing goalkeeper, but sent his effort wide of the target.
Ascent’s persistence eventually paid off in the 47th minute when Grant Chibala pulled a goal back to set up a tense finale. The defender was also on target when the two sides shared a 1-1 draw earlier in the tournament.
The remainder of the contest saw wave after wave of Ascent attacks, but Bullets defended resolutely while continuing to pose a threat on the counterattack.
Beka released Yotamu on one such break, but the winger’s effort was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.
Ascent continued to push forward during the closing stages, winning a succession of corners and forcing Bullets deep into their own half.
However, Phiri remained composed between the posts and produced another important save from a late opportunity as the young Maule held on to secure victory.
The victory secured third place for Bullets and provided a fitting end to a valuable tournament campaign that offered the young Maule international exposure and four competitive matches against regional opposition. The youngsters finished the competition with one win, one draw and two defeats.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets XI
1 Hopeson Phiri (GK), 78 Timothy George (83 Shenard Lolen 57’), 79 Francis Alfazema, 82 Gomegzani Maziya (C), 87 Mike Kalanda (76 Misheck Beka 38’), 88 Chikondi Howa, 89 Ahamad Ayami, 90 Emmanuel Kaswaswa, 92 Kelvin Phiri, 93 Prince Jamali, 94 Esau Yotamu.
Substitutes Not Used: 16 Hassan Asima, 84 Thole Sachenja, 95 Justin Chipewa, 81 Elias Redson, 85 Andrew Ndeule, 80 Precious Juma, 77 Dickson Kameza, 86 Phumziro Mataka.
Ascent Academy XI
1 Prince Phiri (GK), 3 Grant Chibala, 5 Gift Chibala, 6 Razack Mahmood, 7 Faizal Phiri, 8 Razak Mahmood, 10 Yusuf Nantunga, 12 Edward Kaluba, 13 Jeffrey Bisani, 14 Tadala Mughogho, 17 Ethan Muluzi.
Substitutes: 4 Bright Evansi, 9 Stanley Ekarhi, 11 Raheel Pillane.
Goals
Bullets U17: Mike Kalanda 2’, Emmanuel Kaswaswa 17’.
Ascent Academy: Grant Chibala 47’.
Bookings
Bullets U17: Timothy George 7’.
Ascent Academy: Faizal Phiri 61’, Razak Mahmood 61’.
Red Card
Bullets U17: Francis Alfazema 25’.
Match Details
Fixture: Ascent Academy vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets U17
Competition: Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament (Third-Place Playoff)
Venue: Crocs Swamp, Lusaka
Half-time: Ascent Academy 0-2 Bullets U17
Full-time: Ascent Academy 1-2 Bullets U17
Meta Description
Bullets U17 secured third place at the Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament after a 2-1 victory over Ascent Academy in Lusaka.
Web Tags
Bullets U17, Kafue Celtic Under-17 Tournament, Ascent Academy, Mike Kalanda, Emmanuel Kaswaswa, Grant Chibala, Yamikani Fodya, Youth Football, Lusaka
