Ephraim Kondowe and Hassan Kajoke came off the bench to spark a stunning 2-1 comeback win for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets over Silver Strikers in the TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The result saw The People’s Team extend their unbeaten run in the second round while completing a league double over the defending champions.
Goalless But Lively First Half
Silver started brightly with early pressure and dangerous crosses that Andrew Joseph and Binwell Katinji couldn’t convert. Tensions rose on the touchline as referee Mwai Msungama booked Peter Mgangira for dissent.
The Bankers kept asking questions from set pieces. A Maxwell Paipi free kick found Andrew Lameck in an offside position; later Katinji fired over from a good move.
Bullets grew into the half. Khumbo Banda and Chawanangwa Gumbo combined down the right but the cross had too much on it; Chikumbutso Salima’s burst was read by Levison Maganizo; and Blessings Mpokera forced a save from George Chikooka from range.
Yankho Singo was cautioned for halting Joseph, with Nickson Mwase heading the ensuing free kick inches wide. Before the whistle, Silver’s corner via Zebron Kalima saw Joseph go close again, while Lameck was booked for a foul on Salima and Singo’s free kick was defended.
Halftime: 0–0.
Kondowe Equalises, Kajoke Completes The Comeback
After the interval, Peter Mponda introduced Ephraim Kondowe and Hassan Kajoke for Peter Banda and Babatunde Adepoju. Silver struck first: in the 67th minute, Andrew Joseph’s deflected effort looped beyond Innocent Nyasulu, 0–1.
The response was instant. Kajoke combined cleverly on the right, Mike Mkwate picked the pass, and Kondowe swept home the 72nd-minute equaliser — a crisp team move that lit up Kamuzu Stadium, 1–1.
Relentless pressing from Salima then forced a poor back pass from Maganizo; Chikooka fouled Salima and the referee pointed to the spot. Kajoke sent the keeper the wrong way in the 81st minute to complete the turnaround, 2–1.
Bullets managed the closing stages with composure: Blessings Mpokera produced a key goal-line clearance, and in added time Emmanuel Allan’s dangerous free kick went straight into Nyasulu’s gloves. Full-time confirmed a statement win.
Mpokera Named Player Of The Match
Second vice-captain Blessings Mpokera delivered a rock-solid performance at the heart of defence, commanding the backline with composure and authority. His reading of the game, crucial interventions, and a decisive goal-line clearance late on earned him the Super League of Malawi Player of the Match award.
Mponda Completes A Season Triple Over Silver
Sunday’s victory means Peter Mponda has completed a league double over his former club and recorded three wins this season against Silver Strikers, having also beaten The Bankers in the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Final.
The result not only extends Bullets’ home dominance but underlines the team’s growing confidence under Mponda. With fighting spirit, tactical discipline, and impressive squad depth, The People’s Team continue to show what it means to wear the red shirt.
Next Up: FDH Bank Cup Quarterfinal
After the international break, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets host Kamuzu Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, 18 October 2025, at Kamuzu Stadium. Maule will be gunning for a semifinal spot in front of their home supporters.
