The first team’s Airtel Top 8 journey came to an end, the reserves returned to winning ways, the Under 19s maintained their perfect start to the season and another Bullets loanee gained valuable senior experience during another busy weekend for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets experienced a weekend of mixed fortunes as The People’s Team bowed out of the Airtel Top 8 on penalties despite a spirited fightback, while the reserves bounced back with an important league victory and the Under 19s made it two wins from two to continue their impressive start to the campaign.
Our loan programme also continued to provide valuable competitive opportunities, with Oscar Petro gaining another outing in elite domestic competition.
Here’s a closer look at the weekend’s action across the club.
First Team
The People’s Team were eliminated from the Airtel Top 8 after a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout defeat to Ekhaya FC following a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinal second leg at Mpira Stadium.
Peter Banda’s superb second-half free-kick cancelled out Allen Chihana’s opener to level the match and make it 2-2 on aggregate, but neither side could find a winner before the contest was decided from the penalty spot.
Despite the cup disappointment, Bullets can quickly turn their attention back to the FDH Bank Premiership, where Wedson Nyirenda’s side remain unbeaten and will face Ekhaya once again this Sunday at Mpira Stadium.
Match report: Bullets exit Airtel Top 8 after shootout defeat to Ekhaya
Post-match reaction: Nyirenda focused on lifting Bullets after Top 8 setback
Reserves
Bullets Reserves endured a demanding week before finishing it on a high in the SRFA FINCA Division One League.
Henry Kabichi’s side first suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to league leaders Immigration FC at Chilomoni Stadium on Wednesday before producing the perfect response with a convincing 2-0 victory over Nchima United at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.
After a goalless first half, Enos Hendeman broke the deadlock before Jazil Bannet sealed the win to lift the young Bullets to 10 points from seven league matches, ending a run of consecutive defeats.
Match report: Immigration FC 2-1 Bullets Reserves
Match report: Reserves bounce back with 2-0 win over Nchima
Under 19
Our Under 19 side maintained their perfect start to the Blantyre District Youth Football Committee FCB Katswiri Under 19 League campaign with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Griffin Young Stars.
The young Bullets produced another assured display to make it two wins from two matches, remaining level on six points with leaders Mighty Wanderers Youth, separated only by goal difference.
The victory underlined the encouraging progress being made within the club’s development pathway as Yamikani Fodya’s side built further momentum early in the campaign.
Match report: Bullets U19 beat Griffin 2-0
Loan Watch
Oscar Petro continued his development with another senior appearance after starting for CIVO Service United in their Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal second leg against Blue Eagles.
The match ended 1-1, but CIVO bowed out of the competition on the away goals rule.
Petro’s continued involvement at elite level remains an important part of his development as he gains valuable experience in competitive senior football.
The Week Ahead
Attention now returns to the FDH Bank Premiership as The People’s Team take on Ekhaya FC at Mpira Stadium on Sunday, looking to extend their unbeaten league run under Wedson Nyirenda.
Bullets Reserves will aim to build on Sunday’s victory when they continue their SRFA FINCA Division One League campaign, while the Under 19s will look to maintain their perfect start to the Katswiri Under 19 League season.
Elsewhere, the club’s players out on loan will continue gaining valuable competitive experience as their development progresses across domestic competitions.
