Captain Anthony Soko’s clinical strike from the spot gave our Under 19s an early lead, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Airsport United at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday morning.
What happened
The match kicked off with high intensity as both teams looked to assert dominance early on. In the second minute, Charles Kasalanga had a golden opportunity to put Bullets ahead after receiving a precise pass from Christopher, but his shot missed the target, leaving the score line unchanged.
The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Bullets won their first corner kick. Petro Biziwiki stepped up to take it, playing a quick one-two with Brian Mwase, which resulted in a penalty being awarded. Soko confidently stepped up and slotted the ball into the far-right corner, giving our youngsters a 1-0 lead.
The visitors, responded quickly and won a corner in the 17th minute. However, Hopeson Phiri, made a spectacular save to deny them an equalizer.
Five minutes later, Airsport began to gain momentum, pushing the game into our half. They won a free kick but their effort went straight into the safe hands of Phiri.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 28th minute when Christopher was shown a red card for offensive language, reducing Bullets to ten boys. Despite being a player down, the young Maule held their ground.
Airsport continued to press, winning another corner in the 32nd minute. However, the set piece was not put to good use by the visitors. Bullets also won a corner shortly after, and the visiting goalkeeper made a fantastic reflex save to deny Yamikani Fodya’s boys a second goal.
The first half ended with Bullets holding onto their 1-0 lead.
The second half started with the hosts winning a free kick outside the box after Kasalanga was fouled by the Airsport ‘keeper.
However, Chimwemwe Manase equalized for the visitors, five minutes before the hour mark, finishing a cross from Chisomo Omari, making it 1-1.
Moments later, Bullets responded by making four substitutions, bringing on Dominic Kayamba, Kelvin Chimodzi, Hollance Chilekwa, and Osman George to inject fresh energy.
Despite the changes, Bullets struggled to capitalize on their chances. Eight minutes after hour the mark, Biziwiki’s corner was played quickly to George, but the resulting shot sailed wide.
Airsport also made changes in the 70th minute, introducing Hellings Phiri and Ulinji Zigambo for Omari and McDonald Chiwanda.
Bullets had a golden opportunity when Chimodzi missed a clear chance after receiving a pass from George.
In the 80th minute, Bullets won another corner, but Biziwiki’s effort sailed over the bar. The match ended 1-1, with both teams sharing the points.
What It Means
Following Sunday’s draw, Bullets’ U19s now have two points from two games. They must win their final game against Ntopwa Youth to progress to the quarter-finals.
Fodya’s post-match reaction
“It was a tough game, especially after the red card. The boys showed great character to hold on and fight for the point, but we need to be more decisive in our finishing. We have everything to play for in the last game, and I believe the team will rise to the occasion.”
