FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are back in TNM Super League action on Tuesday afternoon, hosting Mafco FC at Kamuzu Stadium in a midweek showdown — just 48 hours after booking a spot in the FDH Bank Cup semifinals.
This marks the first of two key home fixtures in what promises to be a busy and defining week for The People’s Team as they continue their chase for an 18th league crown.
Victory over the Salima-based soldiers would see Bullets open up a seven-point gap at the summit ahead of second-placed Mighty Wanderers, who face Blue Eagles on Wednesday before the much-anticipated Blantyre derby on Sunday.
But MAFCO are no pushovers. The visitors arrive in Blantyre fighting to steer clear of the bottom half of the table, sitting just five points above the relegation zone and eager to cause an upset against the league leaders.
FORM GUIDE
Peter Mponda’s side are flying high, coming into this fixture on a seven-match winning streak across all competitions.
The run includes victories over Chilumba Barracks, The Boys, and Kamuzu Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup — results that have sent Bullets into the semifinals where they will face rivals Mighty Wanderers.
In league action, The People’s Team defeated Chitipa United, Songwe Border United, Dedza Dynamos, and Silver Strikers to solidify their place at the top of the standings with 46 points from 19 games.
Mafco, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, collecting just six points from their last five league outings. They lost 1-0 to Wanderers, drew 1-1 with Moyale Barracks, beat Ekhaya FC 2-1, shared points with Kamuzu Barracks in a 2-2 draw, and were held 2-2 by Karonga United after leading 2-0.
The visitors are currently 11th in the table with 23 points from 20 matches and will be hoping to find form at Kamuzu Stadium after exiting the FDH Bank Cup to Wanderers earlier this month.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Since 2010, Bullets and Mafco have met 26 times in the league. The People’s Team have claimed 12 wins, drawn 12, and suffered just two defeats in that span.
Bullets have enjoyed the upper hand in recent seasons, including a 1-0 victory in the first round this campaign in Mponela — a result that ended Mafco’s two-year unbeaten home run against Maule.
In the 2023 season, Bullets hammered Mafco 4-0 at Kamuzu Stadium before the reverse fixture ended goalless in Dwangwa. The season before, each side managed one win apiece.
Overall, history favours Maule, but Tuesday’s encounter is expected to be another tight contest given Mafco’s physical style and disciplined defensive setup.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Speaking ahead of the match, First Assistant Coach Gilbert Chirwa expressed confidence in the team’s readiness despite the short turnaround following Saturday’s cup fixture.
“The boys are in good spirits and ready to go again. We’ve talked about maintaining focus and taking our chances,” said Chirwa. “Playing at home gives us an advantage, and we want to make it count by collecting maximum points before turning our attention to Sunday’s derby.”
TEAM NEWS
Yankho Singo will miss Tuesday’s clash after sustaining a muscle injury in the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal win over Kamuzu Barracks, where he was replaced in the 68th minute by Aaron Chilipa.
The rest of the squad is fit and available for selection, including Babatunde Adepoju, Chikumbutso Salima, and Innocent Nyasulu, who were rested over the weekend.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Mafco FC
Competition: TNM Super League
Date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium
Kick-off: 14:30
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Zebron Lengani
Assistants: Pondamali Tembo, Henry Bello
Fourth Official: Ernest Kapazi
Match Assessor: Maxwell Matonga
Lengani and his officiating team bring top-flight experience, having handled several high-profile league encounters this season.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Fans who can’t make it to Kamuzu Stadium can follow the action through Mpira TV, FIFA+ or live updates on all our official digital platforms — Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and Threads.
We’ll bring you pre-match buildup, team news, live match updates, photos, and post-match reaction as The People’s Team take on Mafco in this crucial fixture.
It’s another home battle. Be there at Kamuzu Stadium this Tuesday to rally behind Maule as we continue our push for the TNM Super League title.
