FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under 19s secured their place in the semifinals of the African Herbal Mixture Cup after edging past Yizo-Yizo Warriors with a 3-2 victory on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time on Sunday at Mpira Stadium.
In a match filled with intensity, drama and unwavering determination, our youngsters showed composure when it mattered most, holding their nerve during the tense shootout.
First-half action
The opening half roared to life as early as the 5th minute when Yizo-Yizo won a corner kick. Joseph Chonzi swung in a tempting ball, but Anthony Soko was alert, clearing the danger with authority.
Moments later, Chisomo Mbewe had a golden opportunity to put the opposition ahead, only to see his effort agonizingly drift wide of the target.
Bullets responded with intent, winning a corner in the 15th minute. Displaying slick teamwork, Gomezgani Maziya and Blessings Lungu combined brilliantly to set up Bika, but his shot rattled the side netting, sending a warning shot to the home side.
It wasn’t long before young Maule made their pressure count. In the 18th minute, Brian Mwase snatched possession in midfield and launched a stunning long ball to Bika, who calmly slotted into an empty net, breaking the deadlock and sending Bullets’ bench into a frenzy.
Bullets kept their foot on the gas, as they won a free kick at the edge of the box, but Jamali’s curling effort veered just wide. Just three minutes later, Yamikani Fodya’s boys nearly doubled their lead as Bika again came close, his thunderous shot flashing past the post by mere inches.
Despite Yizo-Yizo’s desperate search for an equalizer, including a 29th-minute corner that was easily claimed by the assured Hopeson Phiri, Bullets’ defense remained rock solid.
Yizo-Yizo pushed forward in waves towards the close of the half, but Bullets’ backline stood tall, repelling every threat with sheer determination.
The halftime saw our U19 team leading 1-0, leaving the hosts with work to do in the last period.
Second-half action
Bullets made an early change at the restart, bringing in Hassan Madula for Maziya to inject fresh energy.
Yizo-Yizo came out firing, they pinned our boys deep into their half, slicing through the defense with a dazzling move, only for Gregory Smart’s brilliant cross to flash across the face of goal with no one there to finish it off.
The game took another twist in the 49th minute when Bullets were forced into a change, bringing on Thole Sachenja for injured Samuel Zimba.
Yizo-Yizo’s relentless pressure paid off when Anthony Soko brought down John Labana in the box in the 51st minute, and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.Chisomo Mbewe stepped up, and coolly slotted the ball into the far post, sending Hopeson Phiri the wrong way and leveling the scores, 1-1.
With everything to play for, the match exploded into life. Both teams turned up the intensity, with tackles flying and chances coming thick and fast as they hunted for a decisive lead.
Three minutes after the hour mark, Bullets made another tactical change, bringing on Osman George for Charles Kasalanga, while Yizo-Yizo kept pressing, winning a corner soon after, their captain James Kudzala narrowly failed to convert, the ball skimming the side netting.
As the clock ticked into the 80th minute, Bullets were awarded a free kick. Sachenja whipped in a teasing ball that found Madula, whose header looked promising but landed safely into the grateful arms of Daniel Makunganya.
Despite the pulsating end-to-end action, neither side could find a winner, and the thrilling encounter finished 1-1.
It all came down to penalties, where Bullets held their nerve, winning the shootout 3-2 to secure their place in the semi-finals
What it means
Following a hard-fought victory on penalties after 1-1 in 80 minutes, Fodya’s boys have booked their place into semi-final of African Herbal Mixture Cup for the third time. They will face Mighty Wanderers Youth.
Fodya’s post-match reaction
“It was a very tough game against a strong opponent like Yizo-Yizo Warriors, we showed great character, discipline, and unity under pressure. I’m extremely proud of how the team handled the pressure during the penalties. Booking our place in the semifinals means a lot, but we know we have to stay focused and keep working hard. The journey is not over yet, and we are ready for the next challenge.”
