FCB Nyasa Big Bullets secured a spot in the semifinals of the Castel Challenge Cup with a 2–0 victory over Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday. Both goals came in the first half from Maxwell Phodo, whose clinical finishing proved decisive, helping The People’s Team extend their unbeaten knockout record against the Kau Kau Boys.
Bullets took control from the start, creating early chances and keeping Tigers on the back foot. Phodo’s first-half brace took his tally in the competition to seven goals, putting him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot and underlining his importance in Bullets’ attacking line.
First Half: Phodo Strikes Early to Put Bullets in Control
Bullets started the game with intensity, dominating possession from the first whistle. In the 5th minute, Phodo powered home a header, connecting perfectly with Blessings Mpokera’s delivery to give Bullets an early lead.
By the 15th minute, Bullets controlled the tempo, with Yamikani Mologeni’s creativity continuing to test the Tigers’ defense and influence play in the attacking third.
In the 17th minute, Ephraim Kondowe came close to extending the lead with a bicycle kick, but Tigers’ goalkeeper Sunganani Mponda made a solid save.
Bullets doubled their advantage in the 20th minute when Phodo finished calmly from a precise Mologeni delivery. The goal took Phodo to seven in the competition and marked his third consecutive game on the scoresheet.
Bullets continued to create chances before the break. Wongani Lungu had a goal-bound effort blocked, while Mpokera headed wide from a Mologeni corner in the 35th minute. Tigers threatened briefly in the 40th minute when Mathews Sibale attempted a bicycle kick, assisted by Mwai Banda, but Innocent Nyasulu, playing against his former club, made a comfortable save.
At halftime, Bullets led 2–0, with Phodo’s finishing and Mologeni’s playmaking giving them firm control of the contest.
Second Half: Bullets Hold Firm to Secure Victory
The second half began with Daniel Shadreck replacing Sibale for Tigers. Bullets dominated possession throughout, keeping the hosts on the back foot and limiting clear chances.
In the 49th minute, Mologeni delivered a freekick into the box, but it drifted out for a goal kick. Bullets maintained pressure and won a corner in the 52nd minute, though Tigers’ attempted counterattack failed to trouble Nyasulu.
Tigers’ first corner arrived in the 55th minute, but Bullets defended resolutely. In the 58th minute, Mponda made a key save to deny Phodo a chance at a hat-trick.
Tigers made changes in the 61st minute, introducing Shukuraan Afick and Bonex Chigaya, but Bullets remained in control. A minute later, Khumbo Banda and Kondowe combined to win a freekick inside the Tigers’ area, which Mike Mkwate completed from a short pass by Henry Chiwaya.
Bullets made tactical substitutions in the 65th minute, with Hassan Kajoke, Mkwate, and Frank Willard introduced for Lungu, Phodo, and Yankho Singo. Tigers also made further changes, including the introduction of Steve Nkhoma, but could not find a way through.
Bullets nearly added a third in the 71st minute when Kondowe met a well-weighted pass from Mologeni, only to send his effort just over the bar. Tigers’ best chance of the half came in the 82nd minute, when Precious Kwalenga broke through one-on-one but fired over the crossbar.
Late substitutions saw Peter Banda replace Mologeni in the 75th minute, while Edward Thengo came on for Paul Master in stoppage time. Bullets saw out the match comfortably to secure a 2–0 victory.
What It Means
The win sends Bullets into the Castel Challenge Cup semifinals, extending their impressive knockout record, scoring eight goals and conceding just one. Phodo’s brace, Nyasulu’s clean sheet, and the team’s overall control highlight Bullets’ strength in knockout football.
What’s Next
Bullets will face the winner of the Mzuzu City Hammers vs Mighty Wanderers quarterfinal, with the two sides set to meet on Sunday afternoon at Rumphi Stadium. Confidence will be high as Bullets continue their push for silverware this season.
