FCB Nyasa Big Bullets suffered a 2-0 defeat to Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium on Wednesday, leaving the league leaders frustrated despite creating several scoring opportunities. The result marks Bullets’ sixth loss in the TNM Super League this season.
Both goals came in the first half, putting Bullets on the back foot early. Lameck Mithi scored in the 35th minute and again just before the break.
Coming into the game, Bullets were looking to protect their narrow lead at the top of the league and build momentum for the final three matches.
Mponda made one change to the team that started in the 2-0 win over Karonga United on Saturday, with Khumbo Banda starting in place of Yamikani Mologeni.
The People’s Team knew they had to bring their best performance to overcome Moyale Barracks, who were determined to defend their home turf.
Early Pressure From Hosts Tests Maule
From the first whistle, Moyale Barracks came out strong, moving the ball quickly and pressing high. The home side looked confident, while Bullets struggled to find rhythm despite a few promising opportunities.
In the seventh minute, Khumbo Banda sent a cross into the box that went out for a goal kick.
Moyale found the back of the net in the tenth minute, only for Nadrick Nyirenda’s header to be ruled out for offside.
Babatunde Adepoju and Chikumbutso Salima then tested Moyale goalkeeper Jeremiah Simfukwe, who was in top form and kept The People’s Team at bay.
Moyale Strike First, Double the Lead Before Half-Time
Despite the visitors’ pressure, Moyale broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Lameck Mithi rose to head in a perfect cross from Chifundo Makawa.
Bullets nearly responded five minutes later, but Adepoju slipped in the penalty box, wasting a golden chance. Just before half-time, Mithi doubled Moyale’s advantage, exploiting a failed offside trap that left Richard Chimbamba helpless.
HT | Bullets trail 2-0
Mponda’s men went into the break knowing they had to regroup, rally their spirit, and fight back in the second half.
Bullets Push, But Luck Isn’t on Their Side
The People’s Team made three early second-half changes. Paul Master, Ephraim Kondowe, and Yamikani Mologeni replaced Wongani Lungu, Frank Willard, and Andrew Jovinala, while Sean McBrams later came on for Adepoju.
The message was clear: give everything for The People’s Team and fight until the final whistle.
Chances Created but Unlucky to Score
Mponda’s men controlled periods of the second half and created dangerous moments. Adepoju’s bicycle kick in the 52nd minute was brilliantly saved by Simfukwe, with Kondowe denied on the rebound.
In the 66th minute, Maxwell Phodo fired wide after a brilliant setup by Salima, and Simfukwe again denied Kondowe following a dangerous cross. Moyale almost increased their lead four minutes later through Nyirenda, and Sean McBrams saw a goal-bound shot blocked in 77th minute.
Even a late penalty shout went unheeded when Chawanangwa Gumbo went down in the area, with the referee awarding a goal kick.
Despite dominating periods of possession and giving their all, Bullets could not break through Moyale’s resilient defence.
What It Means
It’s a bitter pill for The People’s Team. The defeat costs Bullets precious points in the TNM Super League title race. Moyale were clinical, but Mponda’s men created enough chances to make it a different game.
The result also saw Bullets fail to open a three-point gap at the top of the standings over second-placed Mighty Wanderers, who also have 59 points and face Karonga United in Blantyre on Thursday afternoon.
The missed opportunities and defensive lapses proved costly. With only three league matches remaining, the fight for the top of the table is tighter than ever, and every point will matter in the championship race.
What’s Next
The People’s Team will regroup and refocus after the setback in Mzuzu. Mponda’s men are determined to bounce back in the remaining matches of the campaign.
Attention now turns to the next league fixture at home against Ekhaya FC, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Silver Strikers in Blantyre on Wednesday. Bullets will aim to reclaim momentum and secure three crucial points in front of their fans as they continue their push for the title.
