FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 shared the spoils with Soche Madrid following a 1-1 draw in the 2026 FCB Katswiri Under-19 League at Mpira Stadium on Sunday morning.
Captain Hassan Madula fired the young Bullets into the lead three minutes after the restart, but with ten minutes remaining Emmanuel Jonathan capitalised on a lapse in communication at the back to earn the visitors a share of the spoils.
Both sides created opportunities in an entertaining contest, with the young Bullets enjoying the better of the opening exchanges before the visitors grew into the game.
The result extended Bullets Under-19’s unbeaten start to the campaign, although Fodya’s side slipped to second on goal difference after Ekhaya’s victory over Airsport United.
First half ends all square
Bullets settled quickly and carved out the first meaningful opening inside two minutes when Blessings Lungu’s effort took a deflection, but a Soche Madrid defender reacted well to clear the danger before the ball could trouble goalkeeper Happy Ngoma.
The hosts continued to press and won a corner in the ninth minute. Osman George delivered into the penalty area, where Lungu was again involved, but the visitors defended well to clear their lines.
Soche Madrid responded three minutes later with a free-kick in a promising position, but Gomezgani Maziya was alert to clear the danger for the young Bullets.
The contest settled into a competitive rhythm, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.
The visitors became the first side to enter the referee’s notebook in the 23rd minute when Luka Ligomeka was cautioned for a foul on Lungu.
The young Bullets threatened again two minutes later as Maziya’s free-kick picked out Ahmad Ayami, but Soche Madrid stood firm to clear before the defender could apply the finishing touch.
Moments later, George found Lungu on the edge of the area and the midfielder cut inside before curling an effort that Ngoma gathered comfortably.
Soche Madrid finished the half strongly. Petro Biziwiki sent a free-kick over the crossbar in the 33rd minute before receiving a yellow card four minutes later for a reckless challenge on Lungu.
From the resulting free-kick, Maziya picked out Madula, whose effort drifted narrowly wide.
Neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval as the opening 40 minutes ended goalless.
Soche fight back after Madula strike
Both teams made changes at the restart, with Fodya introducing Mike Kalanda for Osman George, while Soche Madrid brought on Chikumbutso Chiwanda for Jibson Lulanga.
The change had an immediate impact when, three minutes into the second half, goalkeeper Hopeson Phiri launched a quick attack with a well-placed pass that released Madula, who showed great composure to slot beyond Ngoma and hand Bullets a deserved lead.
The visitors responded positively and almost levelled moments later, but Phiri produced a comfortable save from Chiwanda’s corner delivery.
Soche Madrid continued to push for an equaliser and introduced Emmanuel Jonathan for Kondwani Piyo in the 55th minute as they searched for a route back into the contest.
Bullets nearly doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Madula rose to meet Lungu’s cross, but his header sailed over the crossbar.
Fodya made another change two minutes later, introducing Dickson Kameza for Lungu as the hosts looked to maintain their attacking threat.
However, with ten minutes remaining, Jonathan capitalised on a lapse in communication at the back to bring the visitors level.
The young Bullets pushed for a late winner. Madula was denied after being picked out by Samuel Mpinda before Kameza fired narrowly wide after being released by Maziya during the closing stages.
Despite both sides searching for a decisive goal, neither could find a breakthrough as the points were shared.
The draw extended Bullets Under-19’s unbeaten start to the 2026 FCB Katswiri Under-19 League season, leaving Fodya’s side on 13 points from five matches.
Ekhaya climbed above the young Bullets on goal difference after a 4-0 victory over Airsport United, while Mighty Wanderers Youth moved into third with a 3-0 win over Nyambadwe United. Soche Madrid slipped to fourth on 11 points.
Fodya sees positives despite draw
Reflecting on the contest, Bullets Under-19 head coach Yamikani Fodya praised his players for their commitment against a well-organised Soche Madrid side and believes the performance represented another positive step in the team’s development.
“It was a tough game. We knew Soche Madrid would make it difficult for us because they are a good side. Credit to the players for the effort and commitment they showed. They continue to improve with every match, and getting a point today is not a bad result. Now our focus shifts to the next challenge.”
While pleased with his side’s progress, Fodya stressed there are still important lessons to take from the contest.
“It is a long journey, and you cannot become champions overnight. Today’s result encourages us to keep working on our mistakes, but I’m pleased with the progress the players are making.”
Fodya admitted his side could have managed the game better after taking the lead but believes experiences like this will help the players mature.
“We had good moments in the game and created chances, but there are areas where we need to improve, especially when it comes to concentration and managing games after taking the lead.”
The coach says the emphasis remains on continuous improvement as the young Bullets prepare for the next round of fixtures.
“This is a young team that is learning and improving with every match. We will continue working hard on the training ground and make sure we become better in our upcoming games.”
Bullets Under-19 XI
1 Hopeson Phiri; 75 Alex Kalulu, 79 Alphazema Francis, 76 Emmanuel Mapundi, 89 Ahmad Ayami, 82 Gomezgani Maziya, 81 Hassan Madula (C), 77 Osman George (87 Mike Kalanda HT), 94 Esau Kumwenda, 80 Blessings Lungu (98 Dickson Kameza 69′), 84 Samuel Mpinda.
Substitutes Not Used
23 Hassan Assima, 93 Prince Jamali, 95 Justin Chipewa, 78 Timothy George, 85 Misheck Bekka, 91 Hopeson Mkhata, 88 Joel Maziya.
Soche Madrid XI
99 Happy Ngoma; 37 Rowlence Tchako, 15 Stevie Ndobvie, 49 Walusungu George, 30 Petro Biziwiki, 22 Favour Mthiko, 27 Chisomo Zakeyu, 18 Misheck Ntokoma, 11 Luka Ligomeka, 20 Jibson Lulanga (10 Chikumbutso Chiwanda HT), 28 Kondwani Piyo (17 Emmanuel Jonathan 55′).
Substitutes Not Used
19 Chrispin Geoffrey, 21 Rocky Ng’ambi, 25 Ishmael George, 23 Precious Charles.
Match Statistics
Goals
Bullets Under-19: Hassan Madula 43′.
Soche Madrid: Emmanuel Jonathan 70′.
Bookings
Bullets Under-19: None.
Soche Madrid: Luka Ligomeka, Petro Biziwiki.
Match Details
Fixture: Bullets Under-19 vs Soche Madrid
Competition: 2026 FCB Katswiri Under-19 League
Date: Sunday, 2 August 2026
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Bullets Under-19 1-1 Soche Madrid
