FCB Nyasa Big Bullets advanced to the Castel Challenge Cup Round of 16 with a 3-0 victory over Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Maxwell Phodo starred for Bullets, scoring a hat-trick to secure the win. The victory ensures a comfortable start to our Castel Challenge Cup campaign.
First Half: Bullets Take the Lead Early
The People’s Team began brightly, controlling possession and pressing Songwe from the outset. In the fourth minute, the hosts were awarded a free kick in Bullets’ half, but the referee spotted an infringement on Ephraim Kondowe, awarding the set piece to the visitors instead.
The breakthrough came in the 8th minute. A clever flick from Kondowe met a precise cross from Yamikani Mologeni, allowing Phodo to slot the ball past Abraham Mwandenga to give Bullets an early 1-0 lead.
Gilbert Chirwa was forced into an early change in the 12th minute after Peter Banda sustained an injury. Mike Mkwate replaced him.
Songwe had brief moments of threat. Geoffrey Munthali’s long-range shot in the 17th minute went wide, and Richard Cheyo’s header in the 32nd minute narrowly missed the target after a cross found him unmarked.
In the 24th minute, Kondowe almost doubled the lead, but his effort was saved by Mwandenga, leaving the Songwe goalkeeper injured and later substituted. Bullets finished the first half in control, leading 1-0.
Second Half: Phodo Hat-Trick Secures Win
Bullets started the second half looking to extend their advantage. In the 54th minute, a coordinated attack involving Dominic Musonda, Frank Willard, Mkwate, Mologeni, and Chawanangwa Gumboset up Phodo, who headed home to make it 2-0.
The home side replaced their injured goalkeeper with Ringster Galima in the 59th minute, but Bullets remained dominant.
Chirwa made tactical changes to maintain energy and control. Sean McBrams and Yankho Singoreplaced Kondowe and Willard, while Lukwesa Kanakamfumu and Paul Master came on for Dickson Mwangonde and Wongani Lungu.
Mkwate took over the captain’s armband from Willard.
Bullets sealed the win in the 85th minute when Phodo completed his hat-trick, heading in Chawanangwa Gumbo’s precise pass.
Late opportunities for Mkwate and Phodo were narrowly missed or ruled offside, but Bullets maintained possession and defensive control to see out the match comfortably.
What It Means
The victory sends The People’s Team into the Round of 16, where they will face Ndirande Stars, who defeated newly-promoted Red Lions 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Balaka Stadium last month.
