FCB Nyasa Big Bullets registered a third win in three TNM Super League matches following a 7-0 smashing of Songwe Border United at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
This triumph propelled Peter Mponda’s side back to the summit of the league standings, reclaiming the top spot just 24 hours after Kamuzu Barracks temporarily took over following their 4-0 win against Mafco FC on Saturday.
How the match unfolded
Confident in his winning formula, Mponda stuck to the same lineup that had secured a 4-1 victory over Creck Sporting Club last Wednesday. This decision proved fruitful as the team hit the pitch unaltered on Sunday.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, breaking down the visitors’ defensive setup—organized by coach Enoch Mhone—was no easy feat.
Early on, Babatunde Adepoju was denied a penalty after being fouled inside the box by Zebron Mwaseghe, with referee Michael Mwambyale turning down the appeal.
However, just moments later in the 7th minute, Mussa Mwampope’s foul on Chikumbutso Salima inside the penalty area earned Bullets a well-deserved spot-kick.
Babatunde calmly converted from the spot, giving the hosts an early 1-0 lead.
With Bullets firmly in control, expectations were high for a flurry of goals. Yet, the visitors settled into their defensive stance after conceding and nearly equalized in the 15th minute when Blessings Mpokera committed a foul near our penalty area.
Mwampope took the free kick powerfully, but goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu made a sharp save, forcing a corner. The visitors then nearly capitalized on the set piece, but Wongani Kamanga’s close-range effort was blocked by Blessings Joseph. A subsequent corner from Suzgo Mwakasinga was squandered as well.
Recognizing the need for a change, Mponda brought on Henry Chiwaya for Andrew Jovinala in the 27th minute.
The visitors’ stout defensive block continued to frustrate our efforts in the final third, but after the half-hour mark, we finally doubled our lead.
A goalkeeping error from Mwakabango presented the ball to Lungu, who made no mistake but fire onto the back of the net, 2-0.
As the crowd was still celebrating, Lungu struck again shortly after. Exploiting space after Salima’s pass from the right flank was parried the attacker’s path before he fired home our third goal, 3-0.
At this stage, Bullets were everywhere on the pitch, demonstrating superb passing skills that reduced our opponents to spectators forced to retreat and limit further damage.
Just before halftime, Adam Phiri took a hit in a collision with Lloyd Aaron and had to be replaced by Saad Wasie, ending the first half with Bullets comfortably in control.
After the break, Mponda made three substitutions: Hassan Kajoke, Maxwell Phodo, and Frank Willard came on for Babatunde, Mike Mkwate, and Yankho Singo.
Only two minutes into the second half, Bullets found the net again. A sharp passing move from the back found Kajoke who freed Salima, and our number 11 charged into the box to release a powerful effort past Mwakabango, making it 4-0.
At 52 minutes, the scoreline soared to five. Mologeni’s dangerous pass inside the box after he was found by Kajoke forced an own goal from defender Mwaseghe—the first own goal recorded this season.
Bullets showed no signs of slowing, extending the lead to six through Phodo. A swift run by Salima culminated in a precise assist for the forward, who finished with power past the now-replaced goalkeeper Ringster Galima to net his first goal of the season.
From here, it was a matter of game management, although Bullets continued to push for more goals.
In the 64th minute, Mhone responded with substitutions, bringing on Geoffrey Munthali and Muhamad Lupiya for Wacheta Mwenifumbo and Wongani Kamanga.
Phodo had a chance to add to his tally in the 68th minute but his header whizzed over the crossbar from Mologeni’s cross.
Another golden opportunity for the hosts came in the 74th minute when Aaron and Lungu combined to release Kajoke in a one-on-one situation with the keeper, unfortunately, his shot struck the goalkeeper’s head, leaving the attacker stunned at the missed chance.
With 12 minutes remaining, Mponda completed his substitutions by bringing in Sean McBrams for Salima.
The demolition was finalized in the 89th minute when Kajoke scored a beauty from Lungu’s exquisite pass into the box, sealing a dominant 7-0 win.
Lungu was named Player of the Match, having played a pivotal role with two goals and an assist on Sunday afternoon to take his goal contribution this season to seven in the league.
What it means
The result means Bullets have kept their perfect start to the new TNM Super League campaign, registering three consecutive wins and already surpassing the four points we amassed in the opening three games last season. Sitting top of the standings with nine points, we have scored 12 goals and conceded only one.
Looking ahead
The People’s Team will head to the Central Region to face Creck Sporting Club in the Airtel Top 8 Cup quarterfinal second leg at a venue yet to be announced by the Football Association of Malawi.
