FCB Nyasa Big Bullets cruised into the Round of 16 of the FDH Bank Cup with a dominant 5-0 victory over Chilumba Barracks at Chitipa Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju stole the show with four goals and an assist, becoming the all-time top scorer of the FDH Bank Cup with 14 strikes, while Chawanangwa Gumbo also found the back of the net in a one-sided contest.
First Half Action
Bullets wasted no time asserting themselves. In the 12th minute, Babatunde was denied by goalkeeper Chifuniro Mhango, who tipped his effort for a corner. From the resulting set piece, Gumbo headed over the bar.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute. After a slick exchange with Wongani Lungu, Babatunde fired into the far-right corner to make it 1-0. Moments later, he nearly doubled his tally when Lungu released him again, but Mhango stood firm.
In the 27th minute, Babatunde turned provider. He beat Kondwani Chirwa and unselfishly set up Gumbo for an easy tap-in to make it 2-0.
By the 34th minute, it was three. Babatunde combined with Peter Banda before slotting home his second of the afternoon. That goal also marked Bullets’ 51st strike in FDH Bank Cup history.
Bullets continued to press. Lungu saw his effort denied by the advancing goalkeeper just before halftime. On the other end, Hassan Upindi almost pulled one back for the hosts with a thunderous free-kick, only for the ball to rattle the post. The People’s Team went into the break 3-0 up.
Second Half Action
Head coach Peter Mponda made changes at the restart, introducing Yamikani Mologeni and Bright Munthali for Gumbo and Kajoke. The adjustments only made Bullets more dangerous.
In the 56th minute, Babatunde completed his hat-trick, this time assisted by Paul Master. Two minutes later, he added his fourth, meeting a fine delivery from skipper Willard to make it 5-0.
Chilumba nearly reduced the deficit on the hour mark, but goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba produced a brilliant save before the rebound was blazed over.
At 63 minutes, Mponda introduced Ephraim Kondowe and Sean McBrams, replacing Willard and Banda, with Babatunde taking over the captain’s armband. Later, Mike Mkwate came on for the Nigerian forward, who received a standing ovation after a sensational performance.
The hosts pushed late on, forcing Chimbamba into action again and missing a sitter from close range in added time. Bullets, however, saw out the game professionally to seal a convincing 5-0 win.
Record Breaker
Babatunde’s four-goal haul took his tally to 14 goals in the FDH Bank Cup, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
What Next
Mponda’s men will remain up North for TNM Super League action when we face Chitipa United at the same venue on Saturday.
The People’s Team will then close the Northern Region trip with another crucial away league fixture against Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium in midweek.
