FCB Nyasa Big Bullets kept their TNM Super League title ambitions firmly alive with a composed 2-0 victory over Ekhaya FC at Chiwembe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The result marked a strong response to Wednesday’s setback away to Moyale Barracks, as goals from Maxwell Phodo and Ephraim Kondowe secured a vital three points in front of the home supporters.
First Half: Bullets Take Control
Bullets started the match on the front foot, dominating possession and immediately probing Ekhaya’s defence. In just the second minute, Kondowe nearly opened the scoring with an ambitious bicycle kick, but visiting goalkeeper Joshua Waka reacted sharply to keep the scores level.
The pressure continued as Chikumbutso Salima, Wongani Lungu, and Frank Willard all tested Ekhaya’s resolve with half-chances, though the visitors initially stood firm. In the 18th minute, a well-weighted cross from Peter Banda found Kondowe in the box, but his header drifted narrowly wide of Waka’s left-hand post.
Bullets maintained their intensity, with Wongani Kaponya’s driving run down the right almost producing a breakthrough, only for his effort to sail over the crossbar. Ekhaya attempted to relieve the pressure through a set piece soon after, but Willard was alert to clear the danger.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 32nd minute. A sharp passing move down the left involving Banda and Salima opened space in the box, where Lungu’s effort was parried by Waka. Phodo, introduced earlier following an injury to Mike Mkwate, reacted quickest to the rebound to fire Bullets into a deserved 1-0 lead.
Bullets struck again just before the interval. In added time, Phodo turned provider, delivering a perfectly weighted pass from the right into the six-yard area for Kondowe, who finished calmly to double the advantage and send Bullets into the break firmly in control at 2-0.
Second Half: Bullets Maintain Control
The second half resumed with Bullets focused on game management, while Ekhaya made an early change in the 50th minute, introducing Gods’will Kanyika for Alick Lungu in search of a response.
Bullets remained the more composed side and nearly added a third in the 48th minute when Salima threaded a precise ball into the box, though no runner arrived in time. Ekhaya replied with a corner in the 53rd minute, worked short by Levison Munyenyembe to Hermas Masinja, but once again Willard was well positioned to clear.
Phodo continued to trouble the visitors and came close again in the 55th minute, creating space at the edge of the area before being denied by another smart save from Waka. Moments later, Bullets refreshed their attack as Babatunde Adepoju replaced Kondowe in the 58th minute.
Ekhaya earned a free kick just outside the Bullets’ box in the 63rd minute, but a short routine allowed the hosts to defend comfortably. Two minutes later, the visitors introduced Vincent Salawila and Kesten Simbi, with Simbi picking up a yellow card shortly after for a reckless challenge on Salima.
As Ekhaya continued to search for a way back, Clever Chikwata replaced James Lumbe in the 71st minute, but Bullets’ defensive structure remained solid. In the 80th minute, Bullets made their final changes, with Chawanagwa Gumbo and Blessings Joseph coming on for Paul Master and Banda.
A late corner in the 83rd minute gave Ekhaya brief hope, but Lungu dealt with the danger effectively. In stoppage time, Chikwata came closest for the visitors, only for Richard Chimbamba to rush off his line and clear decisively before play was briefly halted for treatment to two Ekhaya players.
The final whistle confirmed a disciplined performance and a deserved win for the 2023 quadruple winners.
Player of the Match: Maxwell Phodo
Introduced early to replace the injured Mkwate, Phodo delivered a decisive performance. He opened the scoring with a sharp reaction inside the box before turning provider for Kondowe’s second goal just before halftime.
His impact changed the course of the match, and he was deservedly named Player of the Match after the final whistle.
What This Means
The victory keeps Bullets second on the TNM Super League log with 62 points, after league leaders Mighty Wanderers edged Civil Service United 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday to move to 65 points. An early own goal proved decisive in that match, ensuring the title race remains finely poised.
What’s Next
With two league matches remaining, Bullets will now shift focus to their next fixture against Mighty Tigers, knowing every point remains critical as they continue the pursuit of a historic 18th league title.
