Two late goals ensured FCB Nyasa Big Bullets claimed a vital 2-0 win over Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon to maintain our lead at the top of the TNM Super League.
Hassan Kajoke broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute before Babatunde Adepoju sealed the victory seven minutes later, keeping Bullets two points clear of rivals Mighty Wanderers.
First Half: Tigers Sit Deep, Bullets Struggle to Break Through
After suffering a narrow 1-0 loss in the Blantyre derby before the international break, head coach Peter Mponda responded with several changes. Injuries to Yankho Singo and Chikumbutso Salima saw Andrew Jovinala, Sean McBrams, and Hassan Kajoke all named in the starting XI—Kajoke making his return to the matchday squad after several weeks out due to injury. Yamikani Mologeni also reclaimed his spot in the backline.
From the onset, Tigers sat deep in a compact defensive block, frustrating Bullets with a disciplined low press. The home side enjoyed the majority of possession but found it difficult to penetrate the final third.
A half-chance arrived in the 20th minute as Lloyd Aaron picked out Kajoke, whose effort was ruled offside. Shortly after, a promising link-up between the same duo was thwarted by an injury-causing tackle from Sunganani Mponda.
Despite dominating territory and winning set-pieces, Bullets were unable to convert their pressure into goals, with McBrams’ deliveries being neutralised by Tigers’ aerial dominance.
As the first half wore on, Mponda introduced Ephraim Kondowe for McBrams, aiming to inject fresh attacking energy and force Mighty Tigers to open up space.
Despite the tactical switch, the visitors remained well-drilled—marshalling their penalty area with discipline and dealing effectively with crosses and set pieces.
In the closing minutes of the half, Bullets applied intense pressure in search of an opener, but Leo Mpulura’s side held firm. Their resolute defending ensured the teams went into the break deadlocked, with Bullets growing increasingly frustrated by Tigers’ stubborn resistance.
Second Half: Patience Rewarded
With the score level at halftime, Mponda introduced Babatunde Adepoju for Wongani Lungu to inject more direct threat in the final third. Later, Chawanangwa Gumbo replaced Mike Mkwate, adding fresh legs to a relentless Bullets attack.
The breakthrough almost came in the 61st minute when Babatunde capitalised on a defensive slip, but fired wide with the goal at his mercy. Moments later, Ephraim Kondowe struck the post after a neat layoff from Kajoke.
Kau Kau Boys’ game plan suffered a blow when goalkeeper Tawonga Mtegha was forced off with an injury, replaced by Lucky Tizola in the 75th minute.
Still, the visitors looked set to steal a point—until the 82nd minute.
Substitute Maxwell Phodo, barely a minute on the pitch, floated a dangerous ball into the area. Alex Kambirinya failed to clear, and Kajoke reacted quickest to fire past Tizola at the near post, giving Bullets the lead their dominance deserved.
With Tigers stretched in search of an equaliser, Bullets punished them again in the 89th minute. A long ball from Andrew Jovinala, deep in defence, caught the backline off guard. Tizola rushed out, but Babatunde volleyed first-time past the keeper to net his sixth league goal of the season and secure the win.
Player of the Match
Solid at the back and precise in build-up, Blessings Mpokera, who anchored the defence with composure and control, was named Player of the Match after a commanding performance.
What It Means
The result sees Bullets remain top of the TNM Super League, now with a two-point lead over second-placed Wanderers, who defeated Kamuzu Barracks 3-0 earlier in the day in Lilongwe.
What’s Next
Attention now shifts to cup action. Bullets will travel to Lilongwe for a highly anticipated Airtel Top 8 semi-final clash against Karonga United on Saturday at Bingu National Stadium.
