FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Blue Eagles in a tightly contested TNM Super League fixture at Nankhaka Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
The People’s Team came into the midweek clash seeking a response following back-to-back defeats to Mighty Wanderers in the league and FDH Bank Cup semifinal but were held to a stalemate in a hard-fought encounter in Lilongwe.
First Half: Missed Chances At Both Ends
The opening half saw Bullets create several opportunities but fail to find the back of the net.
The first chance of the match fell to Chrispin Mapemba, who delivered a number of set pieces early on, but the hosts defended well.
In the 10th minute, Eagles threatened through Laurent Banda, whose powerful shot narrowly missed Innocent Nyasulu’s left post. Bullets responded moments later when Paul Master tried his luck from distance, but his effort went wide.
The best opportunity came in the 27th minute when Babatunde Adepoju dispossessed Ganizani James but blazed his shot over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
At the other end, Pius Saka also missed a close-range header from John Banda’s cross as both sides went into the break level at 0-0.
Second Half: Strong Pressure But No Breakthrough
At the restart, head coach Peter Mponda introduced Maxwell Phodo for Wongani Lungu to add more attacking power. Bullets continued to press forward, with Mapemba and Babatunde Adepoju combining well in the final third, but Masamba remained alert for Eagles.
Midway through the second half, Mponda made a double substitution, introducing Hassan Kajoke and Ephraim Kondowe to replace Phodo and Mologeni, while Peter Banda later came in for Mapemba.
Despite the tactical adjustments and relentless attacking pressure, Bullets could not find a breakthrough.
Blue Eagles also had their moments, particularly through substitutes Micium Mhone and Lanken Mwale, but Nyasulu was equal to the task between the posts.
In the dying minutes, Kondowe almost won it for Bullets with a powerful header inside the six-yard box, only to be denied by a stunning save from Masamba as the tie ended in a goalless draw.
A Point On The Road
Despite dominating large portions of the game, Bullets were forced to settle for a point in Lilongwe — a result that keeps them within touching distance of top spot.
The draw means The People’s Team have now gone three matches without a win following back-to-back defeats to Wanderers in the league and FDH Bank Cup.
What’s Next
The People’s Team now heads into the Men’s FIFA international break before resuming TNM Super League action.
During the break, Malawi will travel to face Lesotho in an international friendly following the Flames’ exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last month.
We’ll keep Maule fans updated on our next league assignment once details on the venue and opponent are confirmed.
Match Details
Blue Eagles: Masamba; James (C), Nzunda (Mhone 66’), Saka (Mwale 81’), Banda, Viyuyi, Robert, Phiri, Kaliyati, Laurent Banda, Ganizani James
Subs Not Used: Samalani, Robert, Mapemba, Kalowa, Malenguka, Maluwa
Player of the Match: Ganizani James (Blue Eagles Captain)
Bullets: Nyasulu; Mologeni (Kondowe 73’), Mpokera, Chilipa, Singo; Willard (C), Master, Lungu (Phodo 46’, Kajoke 73’), Mapemba (P. Banda 81’), Salima, Babatunde
Subs Not Used: Chirambo, Chiwaya, McBrams, Jovinala, Gumbo
Booked: Chilipa (68’)
