FCB Nyasa Big Bullets continued our preparations for the new season with a 2-0 victory over Goshen City Dedza Dynamos in a friendly played at Champion Stadium in Mponela on Thursday afternoon.
First-half goals from Ephraim Kondowe and Maxwell Phodo secured the win for The People’s Team in our second pre-season match, following a goalless draw against Red Lions in Zomba on Sunday.
Maule were led by assistant coach Heston Munthali, who took charge as head coach Gilbert Chirwa is attending a CAF A coaching workshop organised by the Football Association of Malawi in Blantyre.
We made a bright start to the match, creating an early opportunity through Maxwell Phodo, whose free kick in the second minute was comfortably saved by Goshen City goalkeeper Blessings Juma.
Moments later, Mike Mkwate came close after capitalising on a mistake from Juma, but the goalkeeper recovered well to deny the midfielder.
Goshen City grew into the contest and enjoyed a strong spell of possession, pushing us back into our defensive third. However, they were unable to make their pressure count, with McLean Mwale producing a crucial one-on-one save to deny Gray Msowoya.
We responded with intent, with Prince Chiumia delivering a dangerous cross from the left, but Ephraim Kondowe headed over from close range.
The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Kondowe rose unmarked to power home a header from Mkwate’s well-delivered corner.
We nearly doubled our lead shortly after, with George Chaomba striking the post before Phodo forced another save from Juma following a corner.
There was a setback for us in the 36th minute when Mwale was forced off through injury and replaced by Innocent Nyasulu, who made an immediate impact with a fine save to deny Msowoya.
We doubled our lead in first-half stoppage time when Phodo fired home a composed finish after being set up by Andrew Jovinala, with Juma caught out of position.
Both sides made several changes at the restart, with us introducing Madalitso Safuli, Misheck Billiat, Emmanuel Kaunga and Blessings Mpokera, while Goshen City also reshuffled their lineup.
We controlled much of the second half, enjoying long spells of possession and limiting Goshen City’s attacking threat.
The hosts searched for a way back into the game, but we remained organised at the back, dealing well with set-pieces and isolated attacking moments.
Goshen City’s best openings in the half included a header from Lughano Kaira that went over the crossbar and a dangerous run from Chifuniro Mpinganjira, but they lacked the final touch in the box.
At the other end, we looked threatening on the break, with Wongani Lungu seeing an effort go wide after being picked out by Safuli following a defensive error.
As the game progressed, both sides made further changes, but we maintained our structure and game management to see out the match comfortably.
Four minutes of added time were indicated, but there was no change to the scoreline as we secured a comfortable 2-0 victory.
The result capped a solid all-round display as we continue to build towards the new season.
Result: Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 0-2 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Scorers: Kondowe 30’, Phodo 45+1’
Venue: Champion Stadium, Mponela
