Second-half goals from Chawanangwa Gumbo and Ephraim Kondowe secured a 2-0 victory over Blue Eagles as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets returned to the top of the FDH Bank Premiership.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets moved to the summit of the FDH Bank Premiership following a 2-0 victory over Blue Eagles at Mpira Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The People’s Team marked a return to competitive action after a five-week midseason break with an important victory, extending our unbeaten league run to five matches.
Gumbo broke the deadlock with a stunning strike in the 56th minute before Kondowe doubled the advantage from the penalty spot six minutes later, taking his league tally to ten goals this season.
The result takes Wedson Nyirenda’s side to 33 points from 16 matches, one ahead of Mighty Wanderers, who defeated Silver Strikers 1-0 on Saturday.
Blue Eagles Threaten Early
The visitors made the brighter start and came close to taking the lead in the ninth minute when a corner struck the post before Innocent Nyasulu produced a fine save to deny a header from the rebound.
Seven minutes later, a defensive lapse presented Blue Eagles with another opportunity, but the visitors sent their effort narrowly wide with Nyasulu beaten.
Bullets gradually settled into the contest as both sides battled for control.
Nyirenda made an early change in the 31st minute, introducing Yankho Singo for Frank Willard.
The hosts began to impose themselves as the half progressed, creating several opportunities in the closing stages.
In the 37th minute, Yamikani Mologeni delivered a well-weighted cross into the box, but Kondowe headed over the crossbar.
A minute later, Gumbo found himself in a promising position but mistimed his effort.
The midfielder came closer in the 43rd minute when his close-range attempt was deflected behind for a corner as Bullets continued to press for the opener.
Deep into added time, Wongani Lungu’s free kick from the edge of the box was deflected for another corner, but the visitors defended the resulting delivery to keep the scores level at the break.
Gumbo, Kondowe Strike After the Break
Bullets returned from the interval with greater attacking intent, putting the visitors under immediate pressure.
Clever Kalambo saw a goal-bound effort blocked for a corner in the 49th minute before heading over the crossbar from the resulting delivery.
Two minutes later, the winger had another opportunity inside the box but fired over from close range.
Nyirenda made his second substitution in the 54th minute, introducing George Chaomba for Lungu as The People’s Team maintained their attacking momentum.
The breakthrough arrived two minutes later when Gumbo unleashed a thunderous strike that left Blue Eagles goalkeeper Precious Masamba with no chance, giving Bullets a deserved lead.
The goal rewarded Nyirenda’s men for their growing dominance after a series of missed opportunities on either side of the interval.
Six minutes later, Bullets doubled the advantage after being awarded a penalty following a handball inside the box.
Kondowe stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, registering his tenth league goal of the campaign and putting the hosts firmly in control.
Bullets See Out Victory
With a two-goal cushion, Bullets continued to control proceedings while looking for opportunities to extend the lead.
Kalambo had another chance in the 70th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved by Masamba.
Five minutes later, Nyirenda made a double substitution, introducing Tinaye Tsimba and Paul Master for Kondowe and Kalambo.
The change handed Tsimba his competitive debut for The People’s Team following his arrival during the midseason transfer window.
The Zimbabwean forward came close to marking his debut with a goal in added time after two excellent attacking moves involving Chaomba.
In the 93rd minute, Chaomba created an opening for Tsimba, but the forward sent his effort wide.
A minute later, another excellent pass from Chaomba found Tsimba in a promising position, only for Masamba to produce a superb save to deny the debutant.
Blue Eagles were unable to find a response as Bullets saw out the remaining minutes to record a fifth successive league clean sheet.
The victory also ended our three-match winless run against the Area 30-based side, securing a first league triumph over Blue Eagles since a 3-0 win in 2023 and bringing the visitors’ four-match winning streak to an end.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets XI
24 Innocent Nyasulu; 2 Yamikani Mologeni, 4 Blessings Mpokera (C), 26 Emmanuel Kaunga, 31 Prince Chiumia; 6 Frank Willard (17 Yankho Singo 31’), 29 Chawanangwa Gumbo, 10 Wongani Lungu (22 George Chaomba 54’); 11 Clever Kalambo (8 Paul Master 75’), 28 Misheck Billiat; 9 Ephraim Kondowe (19 Tinaye Tsimba 75’).
Substitutes not used
23 McLean Mwale, 27 Alihaji Mnjale, 52 Kondwani Tebulo, 13 Peter Banda, 5 Sheku Sheriff.
Blue Eagles XI
1 Precious Masamba; 10 Ranken Mwale (42 Lajab Mussah 88’), 3 Davie Phiri, 5 Benet Konyo, 12 Farhad Mtcheka, 14 Webster Nzunda, 18 Matias Nyirenda (77 Ellias Muywanga 71’), 38 Innocent Dzambira, 52 Stacia Chibala (13 Samuel Viyuyi 88’), 66 Chikondi Mwamphachi, 88 Pius Saka (28 Chrispin Singano 71’).
Substitutes not used
19 Gilbert Chirwa, 25 Charles Chisale, 44 Arthur Moffat, 67 Ajussa Kalowa, 75 Ibrahim Kachere.
Match Statistics
Goals: Chawanangwa Gumbo 56’, Ephraim Kondowe 62’ (pen) (Bullets).
Bookings: Webster Nzunda 15’ (Blue Eagles).
Player of the Match: Chawanangwa Gumbo (Bullets).
Match Details
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Blue Eagles
Competition: FDH Bank Premiership
Date: 11 October 2026
Venue: Mpira Stadium
Result: Bullets 2-0 Blue Eagles.
