FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 bounced back to winning form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Soche Madrid on Sunday, a result that pushes them to second place in the Blantyre District Youth Football League with 43 points.
The youngsters responded well after their goalless draw against Soche in the first round, showing patience, discipline, and character to secure the points in a tense and physically demanding contest.
First Half: Kumbuyo’s Free-Kick Breakthrough and Early Pressure
Bullets started cautiously and survived an early scare in the 4th minute when Soche Madrid won a corner, but goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri collected the delivery comfortably.
Once settled, the hosts began to dictate possession, probing for openings in the final third.
By the 19th minute, Bullets had created several chances through Blessings Lungu and Duncan Kumbuyo, though both efforts narrowly missed the target.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Kumbuyo, proving himself as the junior side’s free-kick specialist after converting two set-pieces against Ntopwa Youth in a 3-2 win a fortnight ago, bent another brilliant direct free-kick from outside the box to give Bullets a deserved 1-0 lead.
Soche Madrid responded with pressure in the 31st minute, but the Bullets backline, marshalled by Yusufu Chambakata, held firm. Bullets maintained control until halftime.
Second Half: Equalizer Threat and Madula’s Match-Winning Goal
Bullets returned from the break with renewed purpose. A 46th-minute corner saw Osman George’s volley sail over the bar, followed by another free-kick that the Soche goalkeeper comfortably gathered.
Soche Madrid found their equalizer in the 67th minute when Chikumbutso Chawanda drilled a powerful shot past Phiri into the far-left corner.
The visitors grew in confidence, forcing Bullets to defend deep, but the home side responded with composure.
In the 76th minute, Bullets restored their lead through Hassan Madula, who finished a well-worked move initiated by Francis Kamuyambeni and assisted by Jazil Bannet.
From there, Bullets managed the closing stages effectively, controlling transitions and repelling late Soche pressure until the final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory.
Post-Match Reaction
Head coach Yamikani Fodya praised his team’s mentality and tactical discipline:
“It was a tough game. We played to a goalless draw in the first round, so we knew what to expect. Today, the boys showed great determination and followed what we have been teaching them in training.
We started well, got the lead and managed the game. Although we conceded, they responded with maturity and fought back to win. We will return to training, correct our mistakes and prepare for the next fixture.”
What It Means
The win lifts FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 to second place with 43 points, keeping them in strong contention as the season enters a decisive phase.
This victory marks Bullets’ fifth win in six matches during the second round of the youth league campaign, taking 15 points out of a possible 18 in this crucial half of the season.
Mighty Wanderers Youth remain top of the table with 48 points after defeating Young Stars 4-0 on Sunday, meaning Bullets remain within striking distance and will need to maintain their strong run to challenge for the top spot.
What’s Next
The young Bullets return to training this week in preparation for their next fixture against Young Stars, another important test as they aim to build on Sunday’s performance and maintain pressure at the top of the table.
