FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 secured a 3–1 win over Ekhaya Youth at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday, reclaiming second place in the FCB Katswiri Under-19 Blantyre District Youth Football League.
A first-half brace from Osman George and a late strike from substitute Hassan Madula delivered a strong victory for Yamikani Fodya’s boys against the young Cowboys.
The result moves the Young Maule back into second position with 56 points, dislodging Ekhaya Youth, who now sit third on 54 points.
First Half: Bullets Hit the Ground Running to Take Control
Bullets started the match with intensity, pressing high and testing Ekhaya’s defence from the opening whistle. In the 3rd minute, Samuel Mpinda had an early sight of goal, but his effort was saved by Ekhaya goalkeeper Albert Lupiya. Moments later, another chance went begging as Bullets failed to convert.
By the 8th minute, Ekhaya began probing the Bullets defence, with Francis Chilambi firing wide. In the 14th minute, Bullets won a short corner; Gomezgani Maziya linked up with Blessings Lungu, whose strike was smartly saved by Lupiya.
In the 17th minute, Mpinda failed to connect in the box, prompting a tactical change as Esau Kumwenda replaced him to inject fresh energy. In the 24th minute, Jazil Bannet’s shot following a setup from Charles Kasalanga was saved by the keeper.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute. Kumwenda found Osman George, who dribbled past the Ekhaya defence before calmly slotting the ball into the far post to make it 1–0. Shortly after, Ekhaya’s Hope Mustafa received a yellow card for a foul on Bannet.
Bullets doubled their advantage in the 36th minute from a free kick. Maziya delivered a perfectly weighted ball, and George connected brilliantly to make it 2–0. Ekhaya responded with good build-up play, but Precious Mvula’s shot sailed over the bar.
Halftime: Bullets 2–0 Ekhaya Youth.
Second Half: Bullets Hold Firm as Ekhaya Fight Back
Ekhaya returned with renewed energy in the second half, enjoying possession and looking to reduce the deficit. In the 47th minute, the visitors made triple substitutions to inject fresh attacking impetus.
By the 51st minute, Maxwell Simfukwe rose highest from a corner to head home, reducing the deficit to 2–1. Bullets nearly restored their two-goal cushion in the 55th minute when Bannet rushed his finish and went wide. Moments later, goalkeeper Hassan Assima made a crucial save, while Ekhaya struck the left post, keeping the scoreline tight.
In the 73rd minute, substitute Hassan Madula made an immediate impact, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home and restore Bullets’ two-goal lead at 3–1. Shortly after, Ekhaya’s number 21 was shown a yellow card for a foul on Joel Maziya, and Goodson Banda picked up a second yellow, reducing the visitors to ten men.
Ekhaya continued to push for a late goal, winning two corners in the closing minutes, but Bullets held firm, clearing all danger. The referee blew the final whistle, confirming a 3–1 victory for the Young Maule.
What It Means
The victory moves Bullets back into second place in the league standings with 56 points, dislodging Ekhaya Youth from third. Leaders Mighty Wanderers Youth top the table on 61 points, while Bullets remain firmly in contention for the top spot as the season approaches its final stages.
Coach’s Post-Match Reaction
“I want to thank the boys for their hard work in securing today’s win. We knew it would be a tough match against Ekhaya, who are also competing for second place.
This victory boosts our confidence as we push for a strong finish. Now it’s back to training to review today’s mistakes and prepare for the upcoming fixtures.”
What’s Next
Bullets will turn their attention to next weekend’s clash against Nyambadwe United, aiming to maintain momentum and continue their push for a strong finish in the league.
