Goals from Jazil Bannet and Hassan Madula secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 over Young Stars at Chilomoni Stadium on Monday morning.
The result lifted the Junior Bullets to 13 points from seven games in the Blantyre District Youth Football League.
First Half Action
Yamikani Fodya’s boys started brightly, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Inside 10 minutes, Brian Mwase tested the hosts with a dangerous set piece, before Prince Jamali combined with Charles Kasalanga from a short corner, only for his strike to be cleared.
Their pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Madula neatly set up Bannet, who calmly slotted into the far post for 1-0.
Young Stars responded with a set piece on 25 minutes, but Bullets’ defence held firm. Bannet thought he had doubled the lead moments later, only to be flagged offside.
As the half wore on, Bullets kept pressing, with Blessings Lungu and Jamali both threatening, while the hosts went close with a free kick before the break. Bullets carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Second Half Action
The second period maintained high intensity, with Kasalanga firing over early and Madula forcing a save in the 50th minute.
Fodya’s side made changes, with Osman George replacing Lungu on 55 minutes. Soon after, Madula had the ball in the net again but was ruled offside.
The second goal finally arrived in the 68th minute. Kasalanga spotted Mwase’s run, and though the skipper’s shot was parried, Madula pounced to score the rebound and make it 2-0.
Young Stars nearly pulled one back immediately, but McDonald Tchukambiri produced a brilliant reflex save.
Bullets made a triple substitution on 71 minutes, bringing in Ahmed Ayami, Samuel Zimba, and Innocent Chikalamba for Mwase, Jamali, and Bannet.
The hosts, however, found a lifeline in the 79th minute when Gadi Mbamba headed home from a corner to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Despite late pressure, the Junior Bullets held on to claim all three points.
What It Means
The victory moves Bullets U19s to 13 points from seven games, strengthening their position in the league and restoring momentum after recent setbacks.
Coach’s Reaction
Fodya was delighted with his side’s response and character throughout the contest.
“It was a very tough match, but I’m proud of the boys for the way they handled themselves. We wanted to start strongly and put pressure on the opponents, and we managed that very well in the first half. The goal from Bannet gave us confidence, and even when Young Stars pushed us, we stayed organised and disciplined.
In the second half, we created more chances and got the second goal. Of course, conceding from a set piece is something we need to work on, but overall this performance shows great progress. Development is the priority, and the boys are growing in confidence and learning to manage difficult moments. This win gives us momentum and we’ll continue to push and improve with every game.”
