The chase for TNM Super League glory continues this weekend as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to the Capital City for a showdown against Civil Service United at Civo Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It’s the first of two crucial back-to-back trips to Lilongwe, with next weekend’s Airtel Top 8 Cup final against Silver Strikers looming large at Bingu National Stadium.
But first, all eyes are on Civil. The People’s Team will be looking to pick up maximum points and stay clear at the top of the log—but history warns this fixture is never a walk in the park. Our last visit to Civo ended 2-2, with Bullets letting a two-goal lead slip late on.
FORM GUIDE
Mponda’s men are coming into this tie fresh from a gritty 1-0 win over Ekhaya FC at Kamuzu Stadium—a performance defined by dominance, control and relentless attacking intent, even if the scoreline didn’t quite reflect it.
That result marked our tenth league game of the season, and what a run it’s been: eight clean sheets, 26 goals scored, just two conceded. Top of the table. Confidence high.
Civil, on the other hand, are winless in their last two and sit 14th with 10 points from 10 matches. They’ve conceded 19 goals—the second most in the league—and are coming off a 1-1 draw with Kamuzu Barracks, where they couldn’t hold on to a first-half lead.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The last league meeting between the two sides ended in a 2-2 draw, with Nickson Nyasulu and Ephraim Kondowe scoring for Bullets before Chikaiko Batison netted twice for Civil. Despite Civil’s recent home resilience, history firmly favours The People’s Team. In over a decade of league matchups, Civil have never beaten Bullets—home or away. Out of 17 encounters, they’ve only managed five draws (2017, 2022, 2023, and twice in 2024).
From 2014 to 2016, Bullets recorded back-to-back doubles, with dominant wins both home and away. In 2017, the first-round match ended goalless at Civo, but Bullets responded with a 3-0 win in the return leg. The 2018 season followed a similar script, with Bullets winning both fixtures 2-1.
The 2019 campaign delivered one of the most memorable results as Bullets thrashed Civil 6-0 at Kamuzu Stadium before securing a narrow victory in Lilongwe with a last-minute goal from Chiukepo Msowoya—an effort that pushed the team closer to clinching the title.
In 2020/21, Bullets recorded two 2-1 wins. The 2022 season brought four out of six possible points, including a 1-0 win at Civo and a 1-1 draw at home. The 2023 season featured two 1-1 stalemates in the league, but Bullets triumphed in both cup encounters—winning 1-0 in the FDH Bank Cup and 2-0 in the Airtel Top 8.
Last season, the first-round league fixture ended 1-1, with Binwell Katinji scoring for Civil and Patrick Mwaungulu equalising. The reverse tie saw Civil take a 2-0 lead through former Bullets striker Luke Chima and Katinji, but The People’s Team produced a dramatic comeback through Lanjesi Nkhoma, Ephraim Kondowe, and Mwaungulu to seal a 3-2 win at Kamuzu Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
Midfielder Andrew Jovinala remains unavailable after picking up an injury during the FCB 30th Anniversary match. Mike Mkwate is also ruled out following a knock in training.
There’s a question mark over Wongani Lungu, who faces a late fitness test after missing two sessions earlier this week.
FROM THE COACH
“Lilongwe is always a tough place to go to. In the last two years, we haven’t collected maximum points there [against Civil]. But the boys are showing good signs—they want to win this one. A victory is important for us, and the way the players are training gives us a positive feeling.” – Peter Mponda, Head Coach
MATCH DETAILS
Opponent: Civil Service United
Competition: TNM Super League – Matchday 11
Venue: Civo Stadium, Lilongwe
Date: Saturday, 12 July 2025
Kick-off: 14h30 CAT
MATCH OFFICIALS
Godfrey Nkhakananga takes charge of this one, overseeing his first Bullets league match of the season. The Salima-based official previously handled our 1-0 Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal second-leg victory over Creck Sporting Club.
He’ll be assisted by Hendrix Maseko and Thomas Mang’amba, with Rodrick Kapatamoyo as fourth official. Ellah Banda has been appointed match assessor.
Referee: Godfrey Nkhakananga
Assistant Referees: Hendrix Maseko & Thomas Mang’amba
Fourth Official: Rodrick Kapatamoyo
Match Assessor: Ellah Banda
HOW TO FOLLOW
The match will be broadcast live on Mpira TV, MBC TV, and streamed on FIFA+.
Live match updates will be available across all official digital platforms: Facebook and X (Twitter).
Join us at Civo Stadium or follow the action online and be part of the journey as we continue our push in the title race!
FINAL WHISTLE
With eyes on reclaiming the TNM Super League title, every match matters—and Saturday’s clash in Lilongwe is no different. The record books favour Bullets. The form guide favours Bullets. Now it’s about showing it on the pitch.
Let’s keep the run going. Lilongwe Red Army, see you at Civo.
