Vincent Dalileni, Hassan Madula and Esau Kumwenda were on target as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 defeated Yizo Yizo 3-0 on Saturday to make a winning start to the 2026 Blantyre District Football Committee Under-19 FCB Katswiri League season.
Dalileni broke the deadlock shortly after the restart before Madula and Kumwenda added further goals as the young Bullets turned their dominance into a convincing opening-day victory.
The youngsters controlled large spells of the contest, combining patient attacking football with disciplined defending to keep a deserved clean sheet while creating the better opportunities throughout the afternoon.
It was a composed performance from the young Bullets, who dominated possession for long periods and rarely looked troubled defensively despite Yizo Yizo’s occasional threat on the counter.
Bullets Control First Half
The visitors showed their attacking intent from the opening whistle, with Hassan Madula firing over the crossbar in the fourth minute after being picked out by Blessings Lungu.
Gomezgani Maziya continued to trouble the hosts with dangerous deliveries from a succession of corner kicks, but Yizo Yizo’s defence remained resolute.
Hopeson Mkhata came close in the 17th minute when his header was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper before Maziya saw another effort blocked moments later.
Moments later, Alfazema Francis released Lungu down the right flank, whose inviting cross found Mkhata, but the striker’s header drifted narrowly wide.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and creating the better opportunities, the young Bullets were nearly made to pay for a defensive mix-up after Yizo Yizo squandered a glorious chance with an open goal at their mercy.
The hosts spent much of the opening half on the back foot and picked up two bookings through Blessings Nzuli and captain Chikondi Chikalema, but held firm to keep the scores level at the interval.
Dalileni Sparks Second-Half Surge
The breakthrough arrived just two minutes after the restart.
Substitute Vincent Dalileni made an immediate impact, calmly finishing from Lungu’s pass after an excellent move initiated by Maziya in midfield.
The youngsters continued to dictate proceedings and looked dangerous every time they ventured forward.
Esau Kumwenda and Lungu both threatened before the young Bullets doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when Madula coolly finished Lungu’s cross after Ahmadu Ayami started the move from the back.
Yizo Yizo attempted to respond, but goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri remained alert, producing a fine save from a corner to preserve Bullets U19’s clean sheet.
Madula came within inches of grabbing his second goal five minutes later when his powerful strike crashed against the crossbar after being picked out by Dalileni.
The visitors completed the scoring in first-half stoppage time of the second period. Joel Maziya started the move before finding Madula, who unselfishly squared the ball for Kumwenda to slot home and seal the victory.
The result sees Bullets U19 begin the new league season with maximum points following an assured all-round performance built on attacking football, defensive discipline and clinical finishing after the break.
Mgwira Reflects on Winning Start
Standing in for head coach Yamikani Fodya, who is away with the Malawi delegation at the Confederation of University and College Sports Association (CUCSA) Games in Botswana, McFallen Mgwira praised his players’ determination while insisting there is still room for improvement.
“It was a tough game and credit goes to the boys for the determination they showed today to get the win,” said Mgwira.
“Even though we won, there are still many areas we need to improve on. At the same time, there are plenty of positives that we can take from today’s performance.”
Mgwira believes the opening-day victory will give the youngsters confidence as they continue their league campaign.
“This win will boost the boys’ morale and give them confidence going into the coming games. We have only just started the league, so it is important to begin on a positive note.”
The acting coach also explained the tactical adjustment made during the interval after Bullets were held scoreless despite creating several first-half chances.
“We failed to score in the first half because we were playing the way our opponents wanted us to play. At halftime we spoke to the players and encouraged them to return to our style of football.
“Once we started playing our game, we created better opportunities and managed to score the goals in the second half.”
Bullets Under-19 XI
Hopeson Phiri; Alex Kalulu, Ahmadu Ayami, Alfazema Francis, Gomezgani Maziya; Timothy George (Caleb Chapendeka 58′), Hassan Madula, Esau Kumwenda, Blessings Lungu; Hopeson Mkhata (Joel Maziya 65′), Misheck Bekka (Vincent Dalileni 38′).
Substitutes Not Used: Imlan Samudi, Emanuel Mapundi, Willy Demakube, Kelvin Phiri, Prince Jamali, Philip George, Dickson Kameza, Sam Mpinda, Hussings Jeputala.
Yizo Yizo XI
Batison Mtengera; Chikondi Chikalema, Kelvin Suman, Blessings Nzuli (Maxwell Kafisi 46′), Gregory Smart, Moses Thomson, Bright Chikapa, Alfat Kanteza (Pemphero Saopa 46′), Steven Mofolo (Francis Sasela 68′), William Mchemo (Kondwani Phiri 68′), Khaleel Jangiya.
Substitutes Not Used: Tendai Danzah, Prince Kalumba.
Match Statistics
Goals
Vincent Dalileni 42′, Hassan Madula 70′, Esau Kumwenda 80+1′.
Bookings
Bullets Under-19: None.
Yizo Yizo: Blessings Nzuli, Chikondi Chikalema.
Match Details
Fixture: Yizo Yizo vs Bullets Under-19
Competition: Blantyre District Football Committee Under-19 FCB Katswiri League
Date: 4 July 2026
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Yizo Yizo 0-3 Bullets Under-19
