FCB Nyasa Big Bullets continue the 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership campaign on Sunday when we travel to face MAFCO at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Salima-based soldiers head into the Matchweek 17 encounter in 14th place with 13 points from 16 matches, having started the second round with a 2-0 defeat away to Chitipa United.
Ahead of Sunday’s meeting, we take a closer look at our opponents’ recent record against Bullets, their form this season, style of play and some of the players who could influence the contest.
Recent History
Since 2016, Bullets have won ten of our 17 league meetings with MAFCO, with six encounters ending in draws and the soldiers recording one victory.
Our most recent encounter ended in a 1-0 victory at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in May, as Bullets marked the arrival of top-flight football in Mwanza with three points.
Last season, we completed a league double over MAFCO, winning 1-0 away in Mponela before recording a 3-0 home victory.
The two meetings in 2024 brought four points for Bullets, with a 1-1 draw at Chitowe followed by a 1-0 victory at home.
In 2023, we recorded a commanding 4-0 win in the first round before the reverse fixture ended goalless.
MAFCO’s only league victory over The People’s Team during this period came in 2022, when Zikani Sichinga scored the decisive goal at Dedza Stadium.
Current Form
MAFCO have collected 13 points from 16 matches through three victories, four draws and nine defeats.
They have scored 12 goals and conceded 19, leaving them in the relegation zone after Matchweek 16.
Their campaign has included draws against Luanar Mitundu, Creck Sporting Club and Karonga United, but the soldiers have struggled to turn those points into sustained momentum.
A 2-0 home victory over Chitipa United provided one of their early successes, while a 3-0 win against Dedza Dynamos remains their biggest league victory of the season.
Their other victory came against Red Lions, whom they beat 2-0.
Those results have been offset by narrow defeats against Silver Strikers, Bullets and Ekhaya, all by a 1-0 margin.
A 3-0 loss away to Mighty Wanderers was followed by a 1-0 home defeat to Blue Eagles, while Kamuzu Barracks inflicted a 4-1 setback.
The soldiers also lost 1-0 away to Civil Service United before closing the first round with a 2-1 home defeat to Moyale Barracks.
Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Chitipa extended that difficult run, leaving MAFCO seeking a response against Bullets at Civo Stadium.
Style of Play
MAFCO generally favour a direct, physical approach, looking to move the ball forward early and compete for second balls in opposition territory.
Rather than relying on prolonged spells of possession, the soldiers use their strength in midfield to establish territory and bring their forwards into play.
The departures of Auspicious Kadzongola to Creck Sporting Club and Blessings Mofolo to Masters FC have reduced their options in possession.
The experienced Paul Phiri provides a physical presence in central areas, where his work in duels helps MAFCO contest loose balls and support their forward play.
Sichinga offers an outlet in attack through his pace and movement beyond the defensive line, while set pieces provide another route to goal.
At the back, Paul Ndhlovu brings leadership, aerial strength and tight marking. His organisation is important when MAFCO defend crosses and deliveries into the penalty area.
Key Players
Paul Ndhlovu
Ndhlovu remains a central figure in MAFCO’s defence, bringing experience and leadership to the back line.
Strong in the air, he takes responsibility for organising the soldiers at set pieces and dealing with deliveries into the box.
His positioning and communication will be important against a Bullets attack that has scored seven goals across our last two league matches.
Zikani Sichinga
Sichinga gives MAFCO an attacking outlet through his pace and movement, particularly when the soldiers look to release the ball forward quickly.
His runs beyond the defensive line can stretch opponents and create space for teammates, while his experience remains valuable around the penalty area.
The forward scored the decisive goal in MAFCO’s last league victory over Bullets in 2022, a reminder of the influence he can have in this fixture.
MAFCO arrive at Civo Stadium seeking points to strengthen their survival bid, while Bullets head to Lilongwe with five successive league clean sheets and a one-point lead at the summit.
Sunday offers Nyirenda’s men the chance to complete the league double over the soldiers and build on our winning start to the second round.
