FCB Nyasa Big Bullets wrapped up their 2025 TNM Super League campaign in style with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
The victory secures second place for The People’s Team with 66 points and sets a confident tone ahead of the Castel Challenge Cup.
Bullets dominated possession, created numerous chances, and maintained defensive solidity. Chikumbutso Salima and Babatunde Adepoju both found the net, finishing the season as joint top scorers with 15 goals each.
Heading into the final matchday, Gilbert Chirwa’s men were targeting a second-place finish, with Silver Strikers also in contention after a midweek win over Hammers.
A victory, coupled with a superior goal difference, would ensure The People’s Team claimed the runner-up spot.
Meanwhile, Hammers, sitting 14th with 28 points before the final round, were fighting for survival and hoping for a last-minute miracle to avoid relegation.
This match was a clash of contrasting objectives—Bullets aiming for glory, Hammers desperate to salvage pride.
First Half: Bullets Start on Front Foot, Babatunde Scores Early
From the opening whistle, Bullets imposed their rhythm, pressing high and creating early openings.
In the 5th minute, Babatunde Adepoju, playing his final match for Bullets before returning to his parent club Venda Football Club in South Africa, opened the scoring. He finished calmly from Peter Banda’s precise cross into the six-yard box, leaving goalkeeper Joseph Fulawo helpless.
The visitors responded with efforts from Moses Gwayi and Isaiah Nyirenda, but Innocent Nyasulu made crucial saves to maintain the lead.
Hammers won their first corner in the 12th minute, but Mathews Banda’s header was comfortably claimed by Nyasulu. Bullets’ defence, marshalled by Khumbo Banda, Edward Thengo, and Henry Chiwaya, effectively denied clear-cut opportunities.
Bullets doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when Salima slotted home a cross from Wongani Lungu, who made a blistering run down the right flank.
Just before halftime, Babatunde struck again to score his 15th goal of the campaign, assisted by Salima from Maxwell Phodo’s dangerous pass, giving Bullets a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
The first half was a showcase of Bullets’ attacking fluency, midfield control, and defensive discipline, with captain Frank Willard, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Lungu, and Peter Banda linking effectively with the front three.
Second Half: Bullets Maintain Control, Salima Completes Brace
The second half began with Bullets maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
Early on, Phodo hit the post in the 47th minute. Hammers made tactical substitutions, bringing on Alex Msiska for Maxwell Fusani, but could not disrupt Bullets’ rhythm.
In the 57th minute, a Bullets set piece saw Peter Banda’s effort saved by Fulawo, while Hammers’ free kicks were comfortably dealt with by the backline.
Chirwa introduced fresh legs with Dominic Musonda, Sean McBrams, and Yamikani Mologeni, maintaining intensity and energy in attack.
Bullets’ dominance continued, creating chances through overlapping runs and incisive passes.
In the 90th minute, Chikumbutso Salima completed his brace, finishing a precise pass from Gumbo, sealing the 4-0 victory.
Player of the Match: Chikumbutso Salima
Salima scored a brace and assisted Babatunde Adepoju, showcasing his creativity, movement, and clinical finishing. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
What It Means
The victory confirms Bullets’ second-place finish in the 2025 TNM Super League, ending the season on a high note after narrowly missing out on the league title.
Mighty Wanderers ended their eight-year league title drought finishing top with 69 points, while the 2024 champions, Silver Striker, ended the season in third with 64 points.
Salima and Babatunde finished as joint top scorers with 15 goals each, highlighting their consistency and impact this term.
For the relegated sides—Mzuzu City Hammers, Mighty Tigers, and Songwe Border United—the 2025 season ends in disappointment, as they will now prepare for life in the lower National Division League next term.
What’s Next
Attention now turns to the Castel Challenge Cup, the final competition of the season.
The Round of 32 phase kicked off on Saturday, and Bullets will travel to Karonga to take on Songwe Border United on 11 January.
