FCB Nyasa Big Bullets began the 2025 TNM Super League campaign on a high note following a 1-0 victory over reigning champions Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.
This was exactly the kind of performance coach Peter Mponda had hoped for from his men, who impressed a fully packed stadium with a determined display.
Opening Half
Silver Strikers, the home team, started the match strongly, dominating possession in the opening ten minutes. Despite their early control and crisp passing, they struggled to trouble Bullets’ goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba, as their final-third efforts lacked sharpness.
Gradually, Bullets found their rhythm and took charge. Led by Wongani Lungu, Lloyd Banega, and Yankho Singo, we controlled the midfield, turning the tide in our favor. In the 22nd minute, Yamikani Mologeni whipped in a cross into the area, but everyone in red failed to convert with just a touch of the ball.
Bullets continued to push forward and nearly broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Babatunde Adepoju skillfully weaved past Maxwell Paipi and Innocent Shema. However, instead of setting up Phodo, who was well-positioned in the box, the Nigerian opted to shoot himself, narrowly missing George Chikooka’s post by inches.
The breakthrough came three minutes later when former Bullets defender Precious Sambani lost possession to Lungu in the danger area, and our number 19 surged into the box before he expertly set up Babatunde for a cool finish, giving us a 1-0 lead against the Bankers.
As the first half progressed, Bullets maintained control and created more chances, while Silver Strikers struggled to test Chimbamba. In the 34th minute, Peter Mgangira’s side gifted the ball to Singo, who released Babatunde in a dangerous position. However, Shema recovered brilliantly to prevent another goal.
Mgangira made two tactical substitutions before halftime, introducing Dan Sandukira and Festus Duwe for Chinsinsi Maonga and Sambani, who was having trouble keeping up with Mologeni’s pace. These changes brought more energy to Silver’s attack, resulting in three successive corners, but Bullets stood firm to preserve their lead as the opening period came to an end.
Second Half
The tempo of the game slowed after the break, although Bullets continued to dominate possession and press forward. However, their lack of clinical finishing prevented them from adding to their tally.
In the 47th minute, Chimwemwe Idana’s weak effort was easily stopped by Chimbamba, marking one of Silver’s rare chances. Bullets thought they doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Babatunde’s long ball released Phodo, who beat Innocent Shema to pounce past Chikooka, only for referee Easter Zimba to controversially disallow the goal for a supposed infringement—a decision that left fans and players equally stunned.
Mgangira made another attacking substitution, bringing on Stain Davie for Uchizi Vunga in an attempt to bolster Silver’s frontline. Tensions rose as both sides grew frustrated with some of Zimba’s decisions. In the 65th minute, Sandukira came close to equalizing for Silver with a dangerous cross from the left, but no one was on hand to capitalize.
Mponda made his first changes in the 71st minute, replacing Chikumbutso Salima and Phodo with Clyde Senaji and Ernest Petro. Babatunde had another chance to double his tally in the 76th minute but squandered possession near the penalty box.
Silver made further changes, with Gift Chunga replacing Zebron Kalima in the 80th minute. Meanwhile, Babatunde and Aaron were replaced by Chawanangwa Gumbo and Ephraim Kondowe in the 80th and 84th minutes, respectively.
In the 86th minute, Bullets faced an injury scare when Chimbamba collided with Davie during an aerial challenge. Despite the pain, the goalkeeper continued to play.
Kondowe nearly made an instant impact in the 87th minute when he latched onto a pass from Mologeni, but his shot only found the side netting. This missed opportunity almost came back to haunt Bullets in the 90th minute when Chikondi Kamanga’s long ball caused chaos in the box. However, Senaji’s vital tackle denied Davie a clear chance to score.
The hosts created two promising opportunities in stoppage time, but Chimbamba produced crucial saves to preserve Bullets’ narrow lead and secure all three points in the 2025 TNM Super League opener. Babatunde’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
What the Result Means
This victory marked Bullets’ first league win over Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium following two consecutive draws. It was also our first away win against the Central Bankers since the 2019 season. Furthermore, the result means Bullets started the season with a win for the first time since the 2022 campaign.
Post-Match Reaction from Assistant Coach Gilbert Chirwa
“It was a good performance from the boys in the first match of the season. They put up a gallant fight for the team to collect three points. We should have had another goal in the second half, which the referees ruled for a foul. It was very unfortunate to see the officiating personnel denying us a clear goal. We expect them to do better than this.”
What’s Next?
Bullets will now shift focus to the Airtel Top 8 clash against Creck Sporting Club in the first leg of the quarterfinals at Kamuzu Stadium next Saturday.
