FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19s came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Ntopwa Youth in a Blantyre District Youth Football League encounter played at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday morning.
The match served as the curtain-raiser for the First Team’s TNM Super League tie against Civil Service United at 14:30, with the young Maule producing a brave second-half fightback that set the perfect tone for the afternoon’s main fixture.
Midfielder Duncan Kumbuyo delivered two sensational set-piece goals, while Osman George added another as Yamikani Fodya’s charges showed spirit, composure and improved game management to collect all three points.
First Half – Early Exchanges And Quick Responses
The match began at a high tempo, with both sides eager to settle quickly. Ntopwa almost broke the deadlock in the early stages when a well-struck free kick rattled the upper post, giving Bullets an early scare.
As the half progressed, the young Maule steadily grew into the game, controlling possession with more authority and pushing forward with confidence. Ntopwa remained a threat on transitions, however, sending one effort over the bar after a promising move.Bullets’ first real opening came through a free kick on the edge of the box, but Mike Kalanda’s effort curled wide.
The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute through a moment of brilliance from Duncan Kumbuyo, who fired a precise low free kick into the bottom corner to put Bullets 1-0 ahead.
However, Ntopwa hit back almost immediately. Substitute Trevor Kasala reacted quickest inside the six-yard box after Hopeson Phiri’s attempted clearance on the line, levelling the score.
The visitors gained confidence from the equaliser and troubled Bullets with long balls, winning a dangerous corner toward the end of the half. Phiri reacted well to gather under pressure, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Second Half – Young Maule Fight Back And Take Control
Bullets made a triple substitution at the break, introducing Charles Kasalanga, Willy Demakube, and Blessings Lungu to add intensity and attacking spark.
The changes had an immediate impact. Bullets attacked with purpose, and although Hassan Madula found the net after linking up well with Lungu and Kasalanga, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Moments later, Lungu unleashed a powerful effort that rattled the post. The rebound fell kindly for George, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly to smother his follow-up — another move brilliantly orchestrated by the ever-influential Kumbuyo.
Kumbuyo’s influence grew even stronger after the restart as he dictated the tempo and drove Bullets forward with composure.
Despite Bullets’ momentum, Ntopwa retook the lead in the 70th minute when Frank Chikomeni connected neatly with Kasala’s cross to make it 2-1.
But Bullets responded instantly. A quick short-corner between Vincent Moyo and Lungu created space for a teasing delivery, and Osman George produced a calm, composed finish to level the match.
Just two minutes later, Kumbuyo delivered another moment of magic. From a free kick just outside the area, he curled a beautiful strike over the wall and into the far corner — his second set-piece goal of the afternoon — to put Bullets 3-2 ahead.
The technical bench introduced Prince Jamali for George to stabilise the midfield. Ntopwa’s challenge worsened when Precious Banda received a straight red card for dissent after aggressively confronting the referee in protest.
With the visitors reduced to ten men, Bullets managed the closing stages with maturity, maintaining possession and neutralising Ntopwa’s attempts to find a late equaliser.
What It Means
The victory moves Bullets Under-19s to 40 points, keeping them firmly in second place in the BDYFL standings.
Yamikani Fodya’s boys have now won all four of their opening matches in the second round, demonstrating impressive growth in mentality, discipline and game management.
The young Maule remain firmly in the title race as the season intensifies.
What’s Next
Bullets U19s will return to training this week to begin preparations for their next BDYFL assignment, looking to build on their perfect second-round run and continue pushing toward the summit.
