FCB Nyasa Big Bullets suffered a 2-0 defeat to Silver Strikers in the FCB 30th Anniversary celebratory match played on Sunday afternoon at Bingu National Stadium.
Organised as part of First Capital Bank’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the fixture brought together two of Malawi’s football giants in a festive showdown that saw both teams field a mix of regulars and fringe players.
The match also presented an opportunity for head coach Peter Mponda to hand a first start to midfielder Paul Master, who joined the club in May from Blue Eagles. The former Area 30 midfielder impressed with his passing range and control in the middle of the park.
First Half
Silver opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match following a well-executed move that involved six passes. Zebron Kalima, Kelvin Silas, Levison Maganizo, and Stain Davie combined before Binwell Katinji finished past Clever Mkungula to make it 1-0.
Bullets responded with attacking intent and nearly equalised in the 15th minute when Lameck Gamphani’s free kick found Andrew Jovinala unmarked in the six-yard box, but the defender’s header sailed over the crossbar.
Gamphani had another chance to test the visitors in the 26th minute with a set piece, but Emmanuel Kaunga cleared the danger.
Mponda made an early change in the 27th minute, bringing on Sean McBrams for Ernest Petro to bolster the midfield.
However, just as Bullets pushed for an equaliser, they were caught out defensively. In the 31st minute, after losing possession, Silver launched a swift counterattack down the left flank. Katinji broke through the backline and was brought down in the area by Chikumbutso Henderson. Referee MacLoud Dickson pointed to the spot, and Innocent Shema calmly converted to double Silver’s lead.
Mponda reacted by introducing Yamikani Mologeni and Edward Thengo for Gamphani and Henderson in the 37th minute in an attempt to stabilise the backline.
Shortly before the break, Hassan Kajoke drove into the box from the left and squared the ball to Frank Willard, but the midfielder failed to get a shot off, allowing Kalima to clear the danger.
Second Half
Bullets came close to pulling one back just after the restart. Ephraim Kondowe beat his marker and burst into the box, but his shot was blocked by Chisomo Mpachika. From the rebound, McBrams was denied by goalkeeper Pilirani Mapira. The resulting corner led to another opportunity for Kondowe, who headed just wide.
In the 54th minute, Dominic Musonda and Oscar Petro replaced Henry Chiwaya and McBrams as Mponda sought more attacking spark.
Thirteen minutes later, Kajoke delivered a pinpoint cross into the area, but Kondowe couldn’t keep his header on target.
Bullets suffered a major setback in the 69th minute when Jovinala picked up an injury. With all substitutions already made, the defender was forced to continue in visible discomfort.
The situation worsened in the 77th minute when Jovinala, unable to keep up with Davie’s pace, allowed the forward a clear run at goal. As Davie closed in, Mkungula rushed off his line and brought him down just outside the box. Referee Dickson issued a straight red card to the Bullets goalkeeper, reducing the team to 10 men.
With no substitutes left, Musonda stepped in as the makeshift goalkeeper and was immediately called into action to deal with two dangerous deliveries from Davie.
Despite being a man down, Bullets managed to avoid conceding further, but they couldn’t find a way back into the match. The game ended 2-0 in favour of Silver Strikers, who claimed the commemorative trophy and walked away with K1 million each in individual player prizes.
What’s Next
The People’s Team will now shift focus to TNM Super League duties with a midweek fixture against Ekhaya FC at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday.
Mponda’s Reaction
“I’m very disappointed with the result, but I’m pleased with how we played, especially Paul Master. It’s a positive for us. He hasn’t had game time, but today he delivered a strong performance. Once he improves his fitness, I believe we’ll benefit a lot from him.”
“As for Jovinala, I’ll consult with the medical team to assess the extent of his injury, but unfortunately, it doesn’t look good.”
