FCB Nyasa Big Bullets came from a goal down at halftime to defeat Ndirande Stars 3–1 and progress to the quarterfinals of the Castel Challenge Cup at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
After a commanding 3–0 win over Songwe Border United last week, The People’s Team headed into the Round of 16 knockout tie full of confidence. Interim head coach Gilbert Chirwa kept faith with most of the winning lineup, making one key change as Sean McBrams stepped in for the injured Peter Banda.
The second-tier National Division League side, who featured two players with Maule roots—Lyton Chinong’one and Macray Chiwaya, both products of the Bullets Reserves before leaving last year—stunned The People’s Team by going into the break with a 1–0 lead.
Bullets’ tactical adjustments in the second half, combined with persistence and clinical finishing, proved decisive. Goals from Ephraim Kondowe and a brace by Maxwell Phodo overturned the deficit and booked a place in the last eight, with Phodo taking his tally in the competition to five goals in two matches.
First Half: Hosts take lead as Bullets struggle to break them down
The match began with the hosts testing Innocent Nyasulu in the 6th minute, as a bouncing ball in the penalty area required a smart save from the goalkeeper. Bullets soon settled into rhythm, creating an early chance in the 9th minute when Yamikani Mologeni delivered a cross to Kondowe, whose header went wide.
Chawanangwa Gumbo conceded a foul in the defensive area in the 13th minute, but the resulting delivery went straight into Nyasulu’s hands. Moments later, in the 15th minute, Wongani Lungu and Phodo combined neatly in the attacking third, with the Bullets No.19 striking the post before goalkeeper Dingani Matengere intervened.
Despite dominating possession, Bullets were repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined Ndirande defence. In the 30th minute, Gumbo fired over the crossbar from a Mologeni setup, before the hosts struck in the 32nd minute when a defensive lapse allowed Kondwani Kucheza to score, sending Bullets into the break trailing 1–0.
Second Half: Bullets respond to seal victory
Bullets made three changes at the start of the second half, introducing Blessings Mpokera, returning from injury, alongside Mike Mkwate and Yankho Singo for Sean McBrams, Edward Thengo and Dominic Musonda. The changes immediately increased the tempo as Bullets pushed for an equaliser.
Ndirande Stars nearly doubled their advantage with a freekick in the 47th minute that narrowly missed, while at the other end Mkwate failed to connect with a promising delivery. Bullets drew level in the 50th minute when Kondowe was found unmarked in the box by Mkwate and calmly finished to make it 1–1.
Both sides continued to adjust as the match intensified. Madalitso Jeffrey replaced Justice Zulu for Ndirande Stars in the 53rd minute, while Bullets later brought on Paul Master for Wongani Lungu in the 74th minute.
Bullets took the lead in the 67th minute from a well-worked corner routine. Mologeni and Lungu played a short corner before the fullback delivered a precise cross into the box, where Phodo connected cleanly to send the ball over the line despite a desperate clearance attempt.
The visitors remained on top, with Mkwate rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort in the 73rd minute and Kondowe firing over moments later after being picked out by Phodo.
Mologeni was forced off through injury in the 85th minute and replaced by Henry Chiwaya. Referee Cedric Mwachumu added four minutes of stoppage time, and deep into added time Phodo completed the turnaround with his second goal after an excellent pass from Gumbo to seal a 3–1 victory.
What it means
The win books Bullets a place in the last eight of the 2025 Castel Challenge Cup. The People’s Team have now scored six goals and conceded one in two matches in the competition, and ten goals in three games under Gilbert Chirwa.
What’s next
Bullets will discover their quarterfinal opponents during the Castel Challenge Cup draw, expected to be conducted on Sunday during the Round of 16 fixture between Mighty Tigers and Civil Service United at Mpira Stadium.
