FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda has named his starting XI for this afternoon’s FDH Bank Premiership match against Ekhaya at Mpira Stadium.
Bullets return to league action looking to extend their unbeaten run under Nyirenda after last weekend’s Airtel Top 8 exit to the same opponents.
Nyirenda has made three changes to the side that faced Ekhaya in the Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal second leg, with Andrew Jovinala, Chawanangwa Gumbo and Peter Banda replacing Blessings Mpokera, Frank Willard and Misheck Billiat.
In Mpokera’s absence, Gumbo takes over the captain’s armband, while goalkeeper McLean Mwale is named among the substitutes for the first time this season.
Banda and Gumbo both came off the bench in last weekend’s tie, with Banda scoring Bullets’ equaliser from a free-kick in the 1-1 draw before The People’s Team bowed out 7-6 on penalties.
Jovinala, meanwhile, is handed his first start under Nyirenda after making a substitute appearance in the cup clash.
Innocent Nyasulu starts in goal behind a back four of Prince Chiumia, Yamikani Mologeni, Jovinala and Emmanuel Kaunga.
Gumbo is joined in midfield by Wongani Lungu and Banda, while Clever Kalambo and George Chaomba provide support for Ephraim Kondowe in attack.
Nyirenda also has a strong bench to call upon, with goalkeeper McLean Mwale making his first matchday squad appearance of the season and young defender Edward Thengo included among the substitutes.
Experienced campaigners Frank Willard, Yankho Singo and Hassan Kajoke are among the options available, while exciting youngsters Misheck Billiat, Dastan Banda and Henry Chiwaya provide further options should the Bullets coach look to change the game.
Bullets XI: 24 Innocent Nyasulu; 31 Prince Chiumia, 2 Yamikani Mologeni, 5 Andrew Jovinala, 26 Emmanuel Kaunga; 8 Chawanangwa Gumbo (C), 19 Wongani Lungu, 10 Peter Banda; 11 Clever Kalambo, 22 George Chaomba; 13 Ephraim Kondowe.
Substitutes: 23 McLean Mwale (GK), 17 Yankho Singo, 6 Frank Willard, 9 Hassan Kajoke, 12 Madalitso Safuli, 25 Edward Thengo, 18 Dastan Banda, 28 Misheck Billiat, 27 Henry Chiwaya.
Kick-off at Mpira Stadium is at 14:30 CAT, with supporters able to follow live updates across the club’s official platforms.
