FCB Nyasa Big Bullets continued their strong league run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ekhaya FC at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
A second-half header from Babatunde Adepoju — on his 100th appearance for the club — was enough to hand The People’s Team all three points and condemn the hosts to their first home defeat of the 2025 TNM Super League campaign.
Head coach Peter Mponda made seven changes to the side that faced Silver Strikers in Sunday’s FCB @30 match, refreshing the lineup for the midweek league encounter.
Fired up from the start
Despite being the ‘away’ side on familiar turf, Bullets took control from the first whistle, dominating possession and pinning Ekhaya inside their own half. Chikumbutso Salima, electric down the right, twice picked out Henry Chiwaya in promising positions, but the left wingback couldn’t capitalise.
Ekhaya’s starting XI featured seven former Bullets players, including goalkeeper Elias Missi; defenders Happy Mphepo and Alick Lungu; midfielders Innocent Msowoya and Andrew Lameck; and attackers Stanley Billiat and Wongani Kaponya — adding extra edge to an already charged fixture.
The People’s Team continued to apply pressure, forcing the hosts into an early tactical switch. Frank Willard tested Missi with a long-range strike, while Babatunde had a header ruled offside.
Tensions escalated when Missi shoved Babatunde in clear view of referee Michael Mwambyale, who declined to take action — a decision that stunned the visitors.
Ekhaya responded with a brief spell and nearly broke through in the 25th minute, but their momentum faded quickly. At the other end, Missi again denied Babatunde from close range.
The hosts’ best first-half chance came from a well-executed free kick that forced Innocent Nyasulu into a sharp save, ensuring the sides went into the break level.
Baba’s century, Baba’s goal
Bullets resumed brightly, and five minutes after the restart, Ekhaya lost Msowoya to injury. His replacement, Lovemore Mbeta, couldn’t prevent the shift in momentum.
The breakthrough arrived in the 56th minute. After Chiwaya was fouled just outside the box, Babatunde rose highest to head home from a pinpoint delivery — a powerful finish to mark his milestone appearance.
The goal was Babatunde’s 59th for the club — a moment of magic that continues to underline his importance to the team.
Ekhaya nearly hit back through a curling Billiat free kick, but Nyasulu made another excellent stop to maintain Bullets’ advantage.
Job done — top spot secured
As the hosts pressed forward, Bullets remained disciplined and composed. The midfield duo of Aaron and Willard provided a solid shield in front of the backline, breaking up play and dictating the tempo throughout, with Blessings Mpokera adding energy and control in transitions.
In the 68th minute, Mponda introduced Maxwell Phodo for Hassan Kajoke to add firepower, while Ekhaya responded with another familiar face — former Bullets defender Kesten Simbi.
Bullets managed the game expertly in the closing stages. A cross from Mologeni nearly led to a second for Babatunde, whose header went just wide.
Chawanangwa Gumbo and Ernest Petro came on for Wongani Lungu and Aaron in the final minutes, and Petro’s crucial clearance in stoppage time ensured the result.
Blessings Mpokera was named Man of the Match — his third such award in the league this season.
What’s next?
With the upcoming 6th July Independence Celebrations, The People’s Team takes a brief break from action. The TNM Super League fixture against Civil Service United, initially set for Monday, is expected to be rescheduled.
