FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Agumbala FC in a closely contested FCB Katswiri Under-19 BDYFL encounter played at Mpira Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
On the back of a dramatic 2–2 draw against Manchester Motor Spares last weekend, the young Maule began the match with intent, looking to control play and create early chances. However, Agumbala struck quickly, taking the lead and immediately putting Bullets on the back foot in a fiercely contested encounter.
First Half: Bright Start, Early Setback
Bullets pressed early and forced Agumbala into defensive action inside the opening minutes. Two early corner kicks, both delivered by Emanuel Kaswaswa, were well dealt with by the Agumbala defence.
In the 8th minute, Yamikani Fodya’s boys earned a free kick in a promising area, but Duncan Kumbuyo’s effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Amadu Chigwele.
The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute after Bullets failed to clear their lines. Promise Bwanali reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, calmly finishing to put the visitors ahead.
The goal gave the opposition confidence, and they pushed forward in search of a second. A free kick three minutes later was safely handled by Bullets goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri.
Bullets continued to apply pressure through set-pieces, with Jamali and Kaswaswa sharing corner-kick duties, but the Agumbala defence remained disciplined and well organised.
Despite enjoying spells of possession, Bullets struggled to break through before the interval and went into the break trailing 1–0.
Second Half: Pressure Without Reward
Fodya made two changes at halftime, introducing Joel Maziya and Samuel Mpinda, a move that immediately lifted Bullets’ tempo and attacking intent.
Early in the second half, Mpinda won possession and rounded the goalkeeper, only for a recovering defender to clear the danger. Maziya followed up with a corner kick, but the delivery drifted wide.
Agumbala threatened briefly in the 52nd minute, sending an effort over the bar, before Bullets responded with a free kick that forced Chigwele into a save.
Further substitutions followed as Darlington Fletcher replaced Kaswaswa and Osman George came on for Esau Kumwenda. The hosts enjoyed a strong spell around the hour mark, moving the ball with urgency and pinning Agumbala back.
The defining moment came in the 72nd minute when Jazil Bannet missed a golden opportunity following a well-worked move involving Samuel Mpinda and Charles Kasalanga.
Despite late dominance and sustained pressure, the young Bullets were unable to find an equaliser as Agumbala held on for a narrow victory.
Coach’s Reaction
Speaking after the match, Fodya acknowledged the challenge faced by his young side.
“It was a tough game against a good Agumbala side. We repeated some of the mistakes from last week and paid the price again. These are young players who are still developing. We’ll go back to training, correct the mistakes, and shift our focus to the next match against Airspot.”
