FCB Nyasa Big Bullets opened the 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership campaign with a 2-2 stalemate at Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday afternoon.
Clever Kalambo and George Chaomba were on target for Maule, but the hosts responded twice in a lively and physical contest to ensure the points were shared.
The People’s Team twice took the lead in the Capital, but Civil’s resilience denied us a winning start in an entertaining opener.
Bright Start as Kalambo Opens Account
Gilbert Chirwa’s men made a positive start and showed attacking intent from the outset, going close inside the opening minute as Maule looked to stamp early authority on the contest.
The breakthrough came in the seventh minute when new arrival Clever Kalambo opened the scoring, finishing from close range after being picked out by Misheck Billiat.
Bullets continued on the front foot and maintained control for large spells of the opening half, with Civil struggling to cope with the early intensity.
Kalambo nearly doubled his tally midway through the half after being released by Dastan Banda, but his close-range effort sailed over the bar.
Civil were forced into an early change as Gracious Kapachika replaced the injured Kesten Simbi.
The hosts gradually worked their way back into the game, forcing attacking situations of their own.
However, Pilirani Mapira stood firm in goal, producing a series of key saves to keep Maule in front.
At the other end, Misheck Billiat tested Rahaman John with a powerful strike, while Chawanangwa Gumbo went close just before the break after being played through by Banda, only to be denied in a one-on-one situation.
Despite late pressure from Civil, Kalambo’s early strike separated the sides at half-time as Bullets took a narrow lead into the break.
Chaomba Impact Not Enough in Open Contest
Civil returned from the break with greater intensity and began to apply sustained pressure in search of an equaliser.
Mapira was called into action early in the half, producing another strong save, while an earlier Civil effort was ruled out for offside.
The pressure eventually told in the 61st minute.
A free kick from captain Righteous Banda struck the woodwork, and John Dambuleni reacted quickest to pounce on the rebound and bring the hosts level.
The match grew increasingly physical as both sides battled for control in midfield.
Chirwa responded with a double change, introducing Chaomba and Wongani Lungu, and the impact was immediate.
In the 66th minute, Chaomba, another new signing, restored Bullets’ lead, pouncing from close range after Yamikani Mologeni’s corner caused problems in the area, with Civil’s defence unable to clear their lines.
Civil continued to push and found another equaliser in the 75th minute through Khumbo Mhone, setting up a tense and open final phase.
Further changes followed for Maule as the game stretched, while the hosts also made late substitutions in search of a winner.
Bullets went close late on through Maxwell Phodo, whose header was directed straight at Rahaman, while a late corner also came to nothing as Civil cleared their lines.
Despite five minutes of added time, neither side could find a decisive goal, and the contest ended all square in Lilongwe.
Attention now turns to our first home fixture of the season, as Maule prepare to host MAFCO FC in the next FDH Bank Premiership assignment next weekend.
Team Line-ups
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets:
1 Pilirani Mapira; 2 Yamikani Mologeni, 4 Blessings Mpokera (C), 31 Prince Chiumia, 26 Emmanuel Kaunga; 17 Yankho Singo, 8 Paul Master, 29 Chawanangwa Gumbo; 28 Misheck Billiat, 11 Clever Kalambo, 18 Dastan Banda.
Substitutes:
22 George Chaomba (64), 19 Wongani Lungu (64), 13 Ephraim Kondowe (77), 5 Khumbo Banda (77), 20 Maxwell Phodo (84)
Unused Substitutes:
24 Innocent Nyasulu, 21 Andrew Jovinala, 30 Aaron Chilipa
Civil Service United:
16 Rahaman John; 11 Righteous Banda (C), 2 John Dambuleni, 4 Boston Kabango, 6 Khumbo Mhone; 7 Frank Chizuze, 13 Joseph Ziwa, 14 Madalitso Maso, 19 Chifundo Damba; 21 Emmanuel Muyira, 25 Kesten Simbi.
Substitutes:
5 Gracious Kapachika (15), 27 Thomson Magombo (44), 28 Precious Chipungu (89), 70 China Chirwa (89)
Unused Substitutes:
1 Richard Mwaila, 9 Gift Kadawati, 17 Kelvin Kadzinje, 20 Lifton Gunde, 23 Precious Chiudza
Scorers:
Clever Kalambo (7), George Chaomba (66); John Dambuleni (61), Khumbo Mhone (75)
Bookings:
Joseph Ziwa (Civil Service United), Clever Kalambo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
Match Details
Fixture: Civil Service United vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: FDH Bank Premiership
Venue: Civo Stadium, Lilongwe
Result: 2-2
