Samuel Mpinda came off the bench to score the decisive goal as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 defeated Wanderers Youth 1-0 in a closely contested Blantyre mini-derby at Mpira Stadium on Saturday morning, maintaining their perfect start to the 2026 FCB Katswiri Under-19 League season.
The substitute struck the decisive goal in the 66th minute, sweeping home Hassan Madula’s low cross after a defence-splitting pass from Esau Kumwenda.
Wanderers enjoyed long spells of possession and fashioned several promising openings, but Yamikani Fodya’s side defended resolutely, with Emmanuel Mapundi producing a superb goal-line clearance late in the second half to preserve another clean sheet.
Mini-derby starts cautiously
The Blantyre mini-derby began cautiously, with Wanderers Youth making the brighter start before the young Bullets gradually settled into the contest.
The hosts won the game’s first corner in the 10th minute after Mike Kalanda’s cross was turned behind, but Blessings Lungu’s delivery was comfortably cleared by the visitors.
Three minutes later, Lungu combined neatly with Hopeson Mkhata before firing narrowly wide as Bullets began to threaten.
The contest settled into an even rhythm, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances.
The home side created another promising opportunity in the 23rd minute when Lungu slipped Hassan Madula through on goal, but the forward lifted his effort over the crossbar.
Fodya was forced into an early change moments later, introducing Osman George for the injured Kalanda.
Wanderers responded with a substitution of their own in the 29th minute, bringing on Leonard Eleven for Zaithwa Ndalama.
The visitors almost broke the deadlock four minutes later when Felix Manonga found space inside the penalty area but dragged his effort wide of the target.
Bullets threatened again in the 40th minute as Ahmad Ayami tried his luck from distance after good work from Madula and Lungu, but the effort drifted off target.
Madula became the first player to be cautioned shortly before the interval for a reckless challenge.
The young Nomads earned a late corner, but Gomezgani Maziya rose well to head clear, ensuring the sides went into the break level after a competitive opening half.
Mpinda makes the difference
Fodya made his second change at the start of the second half, introducing Samuel Mpinda for Hopeson Mkhata.
The substitute made an immediate impression, forcing a corner with his first meaningful involvement, although Osman George’s delivery drifted beyond the far post.
Wanderers made a change of their own in the 45th minute, introducing Edward Maluza for Henderson Austin.
Mpinda then squandered a glorious opportunity in the 49th minute, firing over after Madula picked him out with an inviting pass inside the penalty area.
The young Bullets kept up the pressure and won a dangerous free-kick two minutes later. Maziya’s effort forced the Wanderers goalkeeper into a save before the resulting corner was cleared.
The visitors responded with a threatening spell of their own in the 58th minute, carving open the Bullets defence before a brave defensive block denied them what looked a certain equaliser.
Maziya again delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area in the 60th minute, but Wanderers dealt comfortably with the danger.
The opener finally arrived in the 66th minute.
Kumwenda spotted Madula’s intelligent run and threaded a perfectly weighted pass into his path. Madula surged into the penalty area before squaring unselfishly for the arriving Mpinda, who calmly swept a first-time finish into the far corner to hand Bullets a deserved lead.
Fodya made another adjustment in the 70th minute, introducing Joel Maziya for Lungu as the hosts looked to protect their advantage.
The home side continued to threaten from set-pieces, winning two successive corners two minutes later, but Maziya’s deliveries failed to trouble the Wanderers defence.
The young Nomads came agonisingly close to equalising in the 75th minute with a flowing attacking move, only for Mapundi to produce a magnificent goal-line clearance to preserve Bullets’ lead.
Fodya’s side remained disciplined throughout the closing stages, seeing out the remaining minutes to secure a hard-fought victory.
The victory made it four wins from four for Bullets Under-19, with the young Bullets extending their perfect start to the 2026 FCB Katswiri Under-19 League season. The result lifted Fodya’s side to the summit of the standings on 12 points, overtaking Wanderers, who had begun the day ahead only on goal difference.
Fodya hails players’ commitment
Reflecting on the victory, Bullets Under-19 head coach Yamikani Fodya praised his players after watching his side edge a fiercely contested Blantyre mini-derby.
“It was a tough game, but I am happy with the boys for the effort and commitment they showed. We knew it was not going to be an easy match because Wanderers Youth came with a plan and made it difficult for us.”
While satisfied with the result, Fodya stressed that his side must continue improving despite maintaining their perfect start to the campaign.
“The most important thing is that we managed to get the goal and protect our lead. We have to take the positives from this game, but at the same time we know there are things we need to work on.”
The coach believes grinding out victories in closely contested matches will help build confidence within the squad as the season progresses.
“A win like this is important for the confidence of the players. We will continue working hard, correct our mistakes and prepare well for the next game.”
Bullets Under-19 XI
1 Hopeson Phiri; 89 Ahmad Ayami, 76 Emmanuel Mapundi, 79 Alphazema Francis, 75 Alex Kalulu, 82 Gomezgani Maziya, 80 Blessings Lungu (88 Joel Maziya 70’), 94 Esau Kumwenda, 81 Hassan Madula, 87 Mike Kalanda (77 Osman George 23’), 91 Hopeson Mkhata (84 Samuel Mpinda HT).
Substitutes Not Used
23 Hassan Assima, 78 Timothy George, 95 Dickson Kameza, 90 Emmanuel Kaswaswa, 83 Justin Chipewa, 93 Prince Jamali.
Wanderers Youth XI
1 Liam Ntambe; 17 Fidel Nathabaye, 2 Masauko Manda, 5 Pemphero Mdeza, 66 Fatsani Banda, 4 Zebu Subili, 8 Kondwani Mpasanje, 10 Henderson Austin (15 Edward Maluza 45’), 22 Aubrey Divila, 38 Zaithwa Ndalama (14 Leonard Eleven 29’), 9 Felix Manonga.
Substitutes Not Used
16 Lazio Lewis, 20 Chimwemwe Kwada, 25 Yusuf Kayinga, 6 Wongani Nkhambule, 12 George Mcheka, 13 Davie Liwonde, 24 Emmanuel Malunga.
Match Statistics
Goals
Samuel Mpinda 66’.
Bookings
Bullets Under-19: Hassan Madula.
Match Details
Fixture: Bullets Under-19 vs Wanderers Youth
Competition: FCB Katswiri Under-19 League
Date: 25 July 2026
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Bullets Under-19 1-0 Wanderers Youth
