Gilbert Chirwa has named his Starting XI for this afternoon’s FDH Bank Premiership Blantyre derby against Mighty Wanderers at Bingu National Stadium.
The fixture marks the 80th derby meeting between the two rivals as Bullets look to continue building momentum early in the 2026/27 campaign following last weekend’s 1-0 victory over MAFCO FC in Mwanza.
Chirwa has made two changes to the side that started against the Soldiers, with Yankho Singo returning in midfield while Ephraim Kondowe comes in to lead the line against his former club.
Peter Banda drops to the bench, while Dastan Banda, who started in our opening two Premiership fixtures, is also among the substitutes for this afternoon’s encounter.
In goal, Innocent Nyasulu keeps his place after helping Bullets record a clean sheet last weekend, with captain Blessings Mpokera continuing alongside Emmanuel Kaunga at the heart of defence. Aaron Chilipa and Andrew Jovinala complete the back line.
The midfield trio of Singo, Paul Master and Chawanangwa Gumbo will be tasked with providing balance and control in a contest expected to be played at high intensity, while Maxwell Phodo and Clever Kalambo support Kondowe in attack.
New arrival Kalambo continues to enjoy an encouraging start to life at Bullets with a third straight start in the lineup after scoring on his league debut against Civil Service United last month.
Bullets also have strong options on the bench, including Misheck Billiat, who returns after missing the game against MAFCO due to a knock picked up in our 2-2 league opener away to Civil Service United. George Chaomba, Hassan Kajoke and Dastan Banda are also among the attacking options available this afternoon.
Starting XI
24 Innocent Nyasulu; 4 Blessings Mpokera (C), 26 Emmanuel Kaunga, 30 Aaron Chilipa, 21 Andrew Jovinala; 17 Yankho Singo, 8 Paul Master, 29 Chawanangwa Gumbo; 20 Maxwell Phodo, 11 Clever Kalambo, 13 Ephraim Kondowe.
Substitutes
1 Pilirani Mapira, 2 Yamikani Mologeni, 31 Prince Chiumia, 19 Wongani Lungu, 7 Peter Banda, 28 Misheck Billiat, 22 George Chaomba, 18 Dastan Banda, 9 Hassan Kajoke.
Kick-off at Bingu National Stadium is 16:30
