FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under 19s started the new year with a 5-2 victory over Alphasoft Academy in the FCB Katswiri Under 20 League at Mpira Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Our youngsters’ aggressive intent was evident from the outset, with Osman George’s early goal setting the tone for a convincing victory.
What happened
Yamikani Fodya’s boys ignited the contest with a blistering start, finding the back of the net in the opening minute of the tie. George’s powerful header, expertly converting Hassan Madula’s precise and inviting cross, found the far post, leaving Famous Gwazani helpless.
Two minutes later, Madula struck again to double our lead in the third minute. Dominic Kayamba’s tenacious tackling secured possession against the hosts’ defence, paving the way for a brilliant pass to the midfielder, who clinically finished to extend the young Bullets’ advantage.
Sensing danger, Alphasoft gained momentum, earning a free kick on the edge of the box in the 12th minute as they pursued an equalizer. Chisomo Paika stepped up to take the set piece, but his effort sailed wide to deny the home side the levelling goal they desperately sought.
The opposition seized a crucial opportunity in the 28th minute, earning a penalty after Blessings Chiku had fouled Harvey Chirwa inside the area. Peter Kuutelapano calmly converted the spot kick, slotting the ball past our goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri to narrow the deficit to 2-1, reigniting Alphasoft’s hopes of a comeback.
Three minutes later, our U19s threatened to extend their lead, earning a free kick. Vincent Kampira’s powerful strike was deflected to Holace Chilekwa, who pounced, only to have his would-be goal ruled out by the offside flag. This denied Bullets a potential third goal and momentarily preserved the 2-1 scoreline.
Precious Chamangwana delivered a decisive blow in the 39th minute, expertly controlling Gift Frank’s pass before outpacing his marker and clinically finishing past Gwazani.
This strike propelled Bullets youngsters to a commanding 3-1 lead, ending the first half on a high note and leaving Alphasoft with a daunting task ahead.
In the 48th minute, Bullets nearly found the back of the net, however, George’s initial effort was superbly saved by the home ‘keeper. The rebound fell in the path of Kayamba, whose follow-up shot hit the post, denying us a fourth goal and temporarily preserving Alphasoft’s slim hopes of a revival.
The hosts clawed back into contention in the 55th minute, courtesy of Petro Bizwik’s precision finish. A cleverly crafted short corner routine, involving Patrick Malonda, unlocked our defence, allowing Bizwik to slide the ball past Phiri, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and reigniting Alphasoft’s momentum.
Responding swiftly to Alphasoft’s renewed threat, Fodya made a double substitution. Martin Adam and Kelvin Chimodzi replaced Chilekwa and Charles Kasalanga aiming to revitalize young Maule’s offense and regain control of the match.
The hosts were reduced to ten after the hour mark when Kuutelapano received marching orders after picking a second yellow card following a bad challenge on Kayamba and denying him a clear scoring opportunity.
The resulting free-kick proved disastrous for the hosts, as Adam expertly converted directly from the set piece, restoring Bullets Youth’s two-goal cushion.
Gomezgani Maziya sealed our U19s triumph, netting the fifth and final goal in the 80th minute. Collecting Adam’s brilliant pass, Maziya finished with precision, securing a convincing 5-2 victory.
What it means
Following Saturday’s convincing 5-2 win over Alphasoft Academy, Fodya’s boys have collected 57 points from the 28 games played.
Fodya post-match reaction
“It was a challenging match as our opponents were coming from a defeat. But our game plan worked well as we found early goals in the first half, helping us to control the game. Our cohesive unit demonstrated unwavering resilience, adaptability, and sheer determination.”
