FCB Nyasa Big Bullets U19s blew a 2-0 first-half lead as Manchester Motor Spares fought back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday morning.
Both sides entered the game looking to climb the Blantyre District Youth Football League table. Bullets U19s sat third with 47 points, chasing league leaders Wanderers Youth, while Manchester Motor Spares aimed to make a statement at home.
Bullets started on the front foot, with Hassan Madula scoring twice to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. They dominated possession and seemed on course for an easy win.
The hosts staged a dramatic comeback in the second half, taking advantage of defensive mistakes to score through Latif Sharrif and Mayamiko Mahenge, leveling the game at 2-2 and earning a hard-fought point.
First-Half: Bullets Start Strong and Take Early Lead
Bullets U19s looked on course for a comfortable away victory after a commanding first half at Kamuzu Stadium.
The away side started brightly, immediately asserting control and pressing for an early opener. Their intensity paid off in the 10th minute when Hassan Madula finished a well-worked move set up by Esau Kumwenda, putting Bullets 1-0 up.
Bullets continued to dominate, testing the home defence repeatedly. Duncan Kumbuyo’s 16th-minute shot was comfortably saved, while Madula and Osman George combined on another promising attack, although Osman’s cross found no taker.
Their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Jazil Bannet pounced on a rebound and set up Madula, who calmly slotted into an empty net to make it 2-0. By half-time, Bullets had dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and appeared set for victory.
Second-Half: Hosts Comeback Begins
The second half began with Bullets nearly extending their lead. Madula was denied a hat-trick in the 42nd minute before being withdrawn due to injury and replaced by Darlington Fletcher, who quickly linked with Kumwenda and Joel Maziya, keeping Bullets’ attack ticking.
Samuel Mpinda replaced Osman George in the 58th minute, and a corner from Maziya was cleared by the hosts. Bullets continued pressing, but Manchester Motor Spares remained compact and resilient, repelling several attempts.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 68th minute when Latif Sharrif capitalized on a rare defensive lapse by goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Four minutes later, Mayamiko Mahenge leveled the scores at 2-2 after another Phiri error.
Bullets tried to regain control by bringing on Gomezgani Maziya for Emanuel Kaswaswa in the 74th minute, but the hosts held firm.
The players competed under steady rain on Kamuzu Stadium’s artificial turf, which made the ball move faster but did not prevent Bullets from controlling much of the play. Fletcher and Mpinda provided energy and creativity, keeping Bullets pressing until the final whistle, though the hosts managed to hold on for the draw.
Full-Time: Match Ends in Dramatic Draw
The game ended 2-2, leaving Bullets to rue giving away a first-half two-goal lead. Despite the setback, the away side showed resilience, pressing forward and creating several chances, but were ultimately unable to reclaim the advantage.
What It Means
Bullets drop two crucial points after a dominant first-half display. Defensive lapses under pressure proved costly, while Manchester Motor Spares earned a morale-boosting point after a spirited comeback.
In the league standings, Wanderers Youth lead with 58 points, followed by Ekhaya Youth in second with 48 points. Bullets stay third with 47 points, missing the chance to climb to second despite a strong first-half showing.
Head coach Yamikani Fodya’s Reaction
“It was a good game today, and I’m proud of how the boys played. We were leading in the first half, but we conceded some easy goals due to mistakes. That’s football, and we learn from it.
We are encouraged by the progress the players are showing; their development is yielding good results, and I truly believe that one day, these boys will represent us at higher levels.
Now, our focus shifts to the next game. We will return to training, work on the mistakes made today, and continue improving.”
What’s Next
Bullets will regroup and turn their focus to upcoming home fixtures. Fodya’s boys take on Agumbala FC on the weekend of 11–12 January, before facing Airspot FC on Chilembwe Day. The team will look to bounce back, tighten up at the back, and continue their push in the Blantyre District Youth Football League.
