FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 kicked off the second round of the Blantyre District Youth Football League in style, coming from behind to edge Yizo Yizo 2-1 in a spirited contest at Mpira Stadium on Sunday morning.
A brace from Jazil Bannet, including a second-half penalty and a late winner, sealed the comeback for the young Maule, who made a perfect start to the new round.
The victory sees Bullets U19 maintain momentum in their title chase, keeping them within touching distance of league leaders Mighty Wanderers Youth.
First Half Action
The young Bullets started brightly, dominating early possession and creating the first real chance in the 4th minute when they won a corner.
Jamali played it short with Osman George before unleashing a shot that flew just over the crossbar.
Yizo Yizo responded in the 10th minute with a free kick that went wide before enjoying a spell of pressure midway through the first half. However, goalkeeper McDonald Tchukambiri stood firm to keep the score level.
In the 22nd minute, Bullets earned another corner through Jamali, but his delivery was cleared by the visitors’ defence.
Moments later, Charles Kasalanga came close to giving the hosts the lead when his powerful strike rattled the crossbar after a neat setup from Bannet.
Jamali tried his luck again from a free kick in the 29th minute, but his effort went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Both sides pressed for an opener, but the first half ended goalless.
After an evenly contested opening half, the young Maule returned from the break determined to turn dominance into goals.
Second Half Action
At the restart, Bullets made a double substitution, introducing Hassan Madula and Precious Waya for Caleb Chapendeka and Vincent Moyo to inject more attacking energy.
Despite the changes, it was Yizo Yizo who broke the deadlock in the 49th minute through Jangiya Khaleel, who pounced on a rebound from a corner to make it 1-0.
The young Maule responded quickly, and in the 56th minute, Madula was brought down inside the box.
Bannet stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to level the score at 1-1.
With momentum on their side, the hosts pressed relentlessly for a winner, forcing Yizo Yizo onto the back foot.
Head coach Yamikani Fodya made further tactical tweaks, introducing Emanuel Kaswaswa for Kelvin Phiri and later Esau Kumwenda for Osman George to maintain the attacking edge.
Bullets created several openings through quick interplays between Madula, George, and Bannet, while Tchukambiri remained composed at the other end to keep the visitors at bay.
Their persistence paid off ten minutes from time as Bannet coolly finished off a flowing team move to complete his brace and secure a deserved 2-1 victory for the young People’s Team.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after the game, head coach Yamikani Fodya praised his players’ resilience and determination.
“It was a tough game, but after all, we won — that’s the important thing. This victory will help the boys gain confidence in the coming games.
Today, we celebrate, but we’ll return to training to work on our weaknesses. We still have a way to go and are continuing to develop,” he said.
The result gives Bullets Under-19 the perfect start to the second round — three crucial points that keep them firmly in the hunt for the Blantyre District Youth Football League crown.
