Blessings Lungu’s 30th-minute penalty earned FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nyambadwe United at Mpira Stadium on Saturday morning, maintaining their perfect start to the 2026 Blantyre District Football Committee Under-19 FCB Katswiri League season.
Substitute Samuel Mpinda won the decisive spot-kick after being brought down by Frank Moyo before Lungu calmly sent goalkeeper Mwayiwawo Bigula the wrong way.
Nyambadwe applied sustained pressure after the break, but Yamikani Fodya’s side defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri making crucial saves and Emmanuel Mapundi producing a vital goal-line clearance to preserve another clean sheet.
Lungu breaks the deadlock
Bullets created the first opening in the third minute when Gomegzani Maziya delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area, but Hopeson Mkhata’s header drifted narrowly wide.
Nyambadwe responded four minutes later as Alex Dickson met a cross from the right with a first-time effort, but Phiri made a comfortable save to keep the scores level.
The contest then settled into a tactical battle, with both sides competing for control of the tempo but neither able to create a clear-cut opportunity during the next few minutes.
Nyambadwe made an early change in the 17th minute, introducing Trevor Chikunga for Innocent Gondwe as the visitors looked to add fresh energy to their attack.
Chikunga was involved six minutes later when he delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, but Mapundi reacted superbly to make a crucial clearance and deny Nyambadwe a clear goalscoring opportunity.
In the 26th minute, the visitors won a free-kick in a promising position, but Promise Solomon sent his effort over the crossbar.
Fodya responded two minutes later with a double substitution, introducing Hassan Madula and Samuel Mpinda for Vincent Dalileni and Gomegzani Maziya as Bullets looked to regain control of the contest.
The changes had an immediate impact in the 30th minute when Frank Moyo brought down Mpinda inside the penalty area and was shown a yellow card.
Lungu stepped up confidently and calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending Bigula the wrong way to put the young Bullets ahead.
Bullets threatened again in the 36th minute when Esau Kumwenda released Mkhata with a well-weighted pass, and the forward’s pressure forced Nyambadwe to concede a corner.
The hosts worked the set-piece short before delivering into the area, where Emmanuel Kaswaswa rose highest but directed his header over the crossbar.
Shortly before the interval, Mpinda won possession and drove forward before releasing Mkhata, whose first-time effort drifted wide of the target.
Lungu’s penalty remained the difference at half-time, with Bullets taking a deserved 1-0 lead into the break after a competitive opening 40 minutes.
Bullets withstand second-half pressure
Bullets resumed on the front foot and won an early second-half corner in the 42nd minute, but Kaswaswa’s delivery was quickly cleared by the Nyambadwe defence.
Three minutes later, the hosts earned another corner as they continued to press. Kaswaswa again delivered into the area, but Bigula was alert to gather the ball and keep his side within touching distance.
Nyambadwe made a double substitution in the 48th minute, introducing Chisomo Monjedza and Yohane Tambulatsi for Alex Dickson and Aaron Nkhanganya as they searched for a route back into the contest.
Fodya made another change in the 53rd minute, introducing Dickson Kameza for Kaswaswa as Nyambadwe won a corner and continued to push for an equaliser.
Nyambadwe came close to levelling in the 55th minute, but Phiri produced a crucial save to deny the visitors. From the resulting corner, Mapundi made a vital goal-line clearance to preserve Bullets’ narrow advantage.
Fodya introduced Joel Maziya for Mkhata in the 58th minute to add fresh energy to the Bullets attack.
Nyambadwe continued to make adjustments and brought on Noel Nyambose and Noah Nyambose for Solomon and Henry Missi in the 63rd minute.
Three minutes later, the visitors won a free-kick in a dangerous position just outside the penalty area, but captain Junior Khomani sent his effort wide of the target.
Bullets threatened at the other end in the 70th minute when Kameza delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but Bigula produced an important save to deny Mpinda and keep Nyambadwe in the contest.
Three minutes later, Ahmad Ayami was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge as the visitors continued to search for an equaliser.
In the 78th minute, Kameza picked out Ayami’s run, but the defender created space before unleashing a powerful effort over the crossbar.
Moments later, Kelvin Gwetsani was cautioned for a reckless challenge as the referee looked to maintain control of an increasingly physical contest.
Bullets remained organised during the closing stages and saw out the remaining minutes to secure a hard-fought victory and their third consecutive clean sheet.
The victory made it three wins from three for Bullets Under-19, with Fodya’s side scoring six goals without reply and keeping three consecutive clean sheets against Yizo Yizo, Griffin Young Stars and Nyambadwe United.
Fodya praises players’ character
Reacting to the victory, Fodya praised his players for executing the game plan and showing resilience against a strong Nyambadwe United side.
“It was a good game. We knew Nyambadwe United would make it difficult for us because they have a strong team with quality players. Our plan was to score first and then manage the game well, and the boys executed that perfectly. Credit to them for the win, their discipline and the commitment they showed throughout.”
While pleased with the result, the coach said there is still room for improvement as the young side continues to develop.
“Although we won, there are still areas we need to improve. We made a few mistakes during the game, and as a team we will keep working on them while helping the boys develop and become better with every match.”
Three successive victories, he added, have boosted the squad’s confidence, but maintaining focus remains the priority.
“Winning three games in a row gives the players confidence and lifts the team’s morale, but we must remain focused because there is still a long way to go. We have to keep working hard, stay disciplined and treat every game as another opportunity to learn.”
Fodya was particularly encouraged by the character his players displayed as they protected their slender lead during a difficult second half.
“What pleased me most was the fighting spirit the players showed. Even when we came under pressure, they stayed together, competed well and showed great character. They are still young and developing, so experiences like this are important in helping them understand the demands of the game.”
The coach stressed that development remains just as important as results.
“For us, it is not only about winning matches. It is also about developing these players, building their confidence and preparing them for bigger challenges. We will continue working hard and giving them the support they need.”
Bullets Under-19 XI
1 Hopeson Phiri; 89 Ahmad Ayami, 93 Prince Jamali, 76 Emmanuel Mapundi, 82 Gomegzani Maziya (81 Hassan Madula 28′); 78 Timothy George, 80 Blessings Lungu, 77 Vincent Dalileni (84 Samuel Mpinda 28′), 94 Esau Kumwenda; 90 Emmanuel Kaswaswa (95 Dickson Kameza 53′), 91 Hopeson Mkhata (88 Joel Maziya 58′).
Substitutes Not Used
75 Elias Redson, 79 Francis Kamuyambe, 87 Alex Kalulu, 16 Thomas Chalaka, 85 Caleb Chapendeka, 92 Kelvin Phiri, 83 Eliot Pletcher.
Nyambadwe United XI
1 Mwayiwawo Bigula; 5 Vincent Nyirenda, 16 Kelvin Gwetsani, 15 Frank Moyo, 4 Aaron Nkhanganya (11B Chisomo Monjedza 48′), 3 Junior Khomani, 8 Promise Solomon (14 Noel Nyambose 63′), 10 Innocent Jauma, 11 Henry Missi (7 Noah Nyambose 63′), 2 Alex Dickson (12 Yohane Tambulatsi 48′), 17 Innocent Gondwe (9 Trevor Chikunga 17′).
Substitutes Not Used
43 Macdonald Matola, 13 Jonathan Nkotoka, 23 Hastings Ndauka.
Match Statistics
Goals
Blessings Lungu 30′ (pen).
Bookings
Bullets Under-19: Ahmad Ayami.
Nyambadwe United: Frank Moyo, Kelvin Gwetsani.
Match Details
Fixture: Bullets Under-19 vs Nyambadwe United
Competition: Blantyre District Football Committee Under-19 FCB Katswiri League
Date: 19 July 2026
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Bullets Under-19 1-0 Nyambadwe United
