Maxwell Phodo’s decisive goal led FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crerk Sporting Club at Mulanje Park Stadium on Saturday, securing our spot in the Sapitwa 4 Season Three final.
The opening half
The match started with both teams showing attacking intent. Creck came close to an early lead in the 8th minute when Hadji Wali’s dangerous corner kick forced a crucial save from Innocent Nyasulu.
Mike Mkwate, making his first full debut after missing the last two seasons due to injury, dazzled with a superb performance. His partnership with Chikumbutso Salima posed major problems for the visitors, who struggled to contain the duo. In the 11th minute, Salima whipped a dangerous cross into the penalty box, finding Hassan Kajoke, whose shot was brilliantly denied by goalkeeper Brighton Munthali.
Four minutes later, Bullets earned their first corner of the game. Henry Chiwaya delivered a precise cross to Yamikani Mologeni, who unleashed a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target.
Bullets continued to pile on the pressure, relentlessly seeking a breakthrough. However, Munthali remained sharp, keeping the scoreline intact. In the 19th minute, Kajoke nearly broke the deadlock with a golden chance set up by slick passing from Babatunde Adepoju and Salima down the right flank, but he failed to connect with Adepoju’s cross.
Crerk countered with a promising chance in the 21st minute when Wali attempted a shot, but it was courageously blocked by Andrew Jovinala. The match remained an exhilarating end-to-end contest. Another opportunity came for Crerk in the 26th minute from a corner delivered by Wali, but Nyasulu cleared the danger with authority.
The hosts pushed forward again in the 34th minute when Adepoju’s shot was deflected for a corner. Chiwaya’s subsequent delivery found the Nigerian, but his header drifted wide. Despite opportunities for both teams, they entered halftime locked at 0-0.
The final half
At the start of the second half, Bullets made tactical substitutions, introducing Maxwell Phodo and Ernest Petro for Wongani Lungu and Kajoke. The changes nearly yielded immediate dividends in the 48th minute, but Petro missed a prime opportunity when he blasted his effort over the bar after Creck’s defense faltered.
By the hour mark, Bullets were dominating possession, pinning Joseph Kamwendo’s men in their own half. Yet, the elusive opening goal seemed just out of reach.
That changed in the 68th minute when substitute Phodo pounced on a rebound after Munthali fumbled Adepoju’s strike. Phodo’s composed finish sent the Bullets fans into wild celebrations.
The tension heightened in the 75th minute when both Wali and Phodo were sent off for violent conduct off the ball. Phodo’s red card was a bitter moment for Bullets, as he had just delivered the match-winning goal.
Creck mounted a relentless offense in search of an equalizer, but the Bullets defense held firm.
In the 80th minute, Lameck Gamphani replaced Salima and almost made an immediate impact when he created a chance from a corner, but Creck’s backline cleared the danger.
As the clock ticked toward full time, the visitors pressed harder, but Bullets showcased resilience and determination. When the final whistle blew, we emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, to the delight of the Bullets family.
Jovinala earns Player of the Match
The defender, who joined us from Blue Eagles in January was voted Player of the Match in his second pre-season match for The People’s Team following a remarkable display at the Mulanje Park against Creck.
What it means
This victory earned us a well-deserved place in Sunday’s final of the Sapitwa 4 bonanza, and we will face Ekhaya FC, who defeated Mighty Tigers 2-1 earlier on Saturday.
Gilbert Chirwa’s post-match reaction
“We knew it was going to be a tough battle. Creck is a good side, but the boys showed character and quality when it mattered most. Maxwell Phodo’s goal was crucial, and even though we had to play with ten men, the team defended like warriors. This is what we live for,” commented the Bullets first assistant coach.
