FCB Nyasa Big Bullets suffered their first defeat of the season in the Blantyre derby, falling 1-0 to arch-rivals Mighty Wanderers in the TNM Super League at a packed Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Peter Mponda’s squad aimed to extend their unbeaten run and maintain dominance in this fierce rivalry, while Wanderers were determined to end Bullets’ streak and close the points gap in the league standings.
The First Half
Mponda made just one alteration from last week’s win over Kamuzu Barracks, handing Blessings Joseph a starting spot and moving Chawanangwa Gumbo to the bench.
From the outset, the Nomads, playing at home in this eagerly awaited clash, stamped their authority by controlling the midfield and dictating the tempo.
Bullets almost seized an early advantage in the ninth minute after Wisdom Mpinganjira fouled Chikumbutso Salima in a threatening area, granting Wongani Lungu a free kick. However, Chancy Mtete safely gathered Lungu’s attempt.
Moments later, Wanderers punished Bullets for their missed opportunity. In the 11th minute, a swift counter-attack forced a set piece, which Francisco Madinga expertly delivered. Catching the Bullets defence off guard, Blessings Mwalilino slotted home to make it 1-0.
Buoyed by the opener, Bob Mpinganjira’s men pressed forward relentlessly in search of a second goal.
In the 18th minute, Bullets’ Innocent Nyasulu made a vital save to deny Blessings Singini, who unleashed a powerful shot after being granted space near the edge of the box from another set piece. Bullets defended well to repel further danger.
Struggling to penetrate Wanderers’ disciplined midfield, Bullets began to lose their shape under increasing defensive pressure.
Responding to the challenge, Mponda introduced Frank Willard for Clyde Senanji, shifting Yankho Singo into defence in a tactical adjustment.
At the half-hour mark, Chikumbutso Salima nearly took advantage of a defensive mix-up between Peter Cholopi and Stanley Sanudi, but his shot missed the target with no teammates on hand to finish the opportunity.
The Nomads came close to doubling their lead in the 37th minute after another set piece. Madinga’s delivery found Mpinganjira in a promising position, but Joseph intervened with a crucial block, conceding a corner which Babatunde Adepoju dealt with effectively.
In the 44th minute, Wanderers carved out one more chance, with Madinga finding space for a shot, only for Nyasulu to pull off an impressive save—capping off his busy first half in contrast to the relatively untroubled Mtete.
At halftime, the Nomads held on to their 1-0 lead, having enjoyed the better moments during the opening 45 minutes.
The Second Half
Mponda responded at the break by bringing on Henry Chiwaya and Chawanangwa Gumbo for captain Lloyd Aaron and Mike Mkwate.
In the second half, Wanderers opted for a more conservative approach, determined to protect their slim advantage while seeking opportunities to counterattack, mindful of Bullets’ intent to find an equalizer.
As anticipated, Bullets enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but Wanderers held firm, defending in numbers to preserve their lead.
In the 58th minute, Wanderers broke forward with Gaddie Chirwa, but Nyasulu was alert to deny the winger from close range.
From the ensuing set piece, Singini powered a header against the post before Gumbo cleared the danger, with Wanderers narrowly missing a second goal.
Wanderers then made a double substitution, bringing on Clement Nyondo and Masiya Manda for Chirwa and Promise Kamwendo.
Bullets soon threatened at the other end, as Chiwaya sent Salima down the left flank. Salima’s precise cross was intercepted by Peter Cholopi for a corner, which the visitors squandered—a recurring frustration throughout their afternoon.
Despite enjoying plenty of the ball, Bullets failed to create clear-cut chances, while Wanderers continued to look dangerous on the break and thought they had a second in the 65th minute, only for Mwalilino’s finish to be ruled offside.
Mponda responded by bringing on Ephraim Kondowe for Lungu in the 67th minute to boost the attack.
Just two minutes later, a Chiwaya corner found Kondowe in the box, and his strong effort seemed destined for goal before Manda intervened, clearing the ball before Mtete made a critical save.
Determined to consolidate their lead, Wanderers replaced Felix Zulu and Madinga with Emmanuel Nyirenda and Nanison Mbewe in the 73rd minute.
Wanderers created another opening when Nyondo combined with Mpinganjira to send Mwalilino through, but the assistant referee’s flag denied them a second due to offside.
Bullets used their final substitution in the 82nd minute, introducing Yamikani Mologeni for Mpokera. Mologeni added spark to the right flank, but every delivery into the box was expertly dealt with by the steadfast Cholopi.
In the 87th minute, Bullets had another opportunity as Mologeni whipped in a dangerous cross, but Mtete produced a solid save to deny the visitors.
The last real chance for Bullets to salvage a point came in the 94th minute. Mologeni raced down the wing and floated in an inviting ball for Babatunde, whose header was well saved by Mtete, leading to a set piece that the hosts defended resolutely.
With five additional minutes played, referee David Chinoko signaled the final whistle.
What It Means
Despite the defeat, Bullets remain at the summit of the league table with 18 points from seven matches, with Wanderers close behind on 16 points from six games.
Looking Forward
With the Cosafa Cup Senior Championship kicking off next week in South Africa, Bullets will remain out of action until Malawi completes their campaign in the tournament, which runs from June 4 to June 15.
