FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under 19s’ journey in the 2025 African Herbal Mixture Cup came to an end when they succumbed to a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat against Mighty Wanderers Youth on Saturday at Mpira Stadium.
After a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time, the match went straight into a dramatic shootout where Wanderers held their nerve to progress to the final of the competition.
It was a heartbreaking exit for the young Bullets, who had come into the tournament as defending champions but ultimately fell short in their quest to lift the trophy again.
First half action
The action ignited as early as the 5th minute when Bullets almost seized the lead. Blessings Lungu rattled the right post after receiving a clever pass from the lively Steve Bika, leaving the home fans gasping.
Moments later, Wanderers had a golden opportunity, but Amin Yusuf agonizingly missed the upper post by mere inches.
The hosts kept pressing and they won a corner in the 4th minute. Limbani Manyamba stepped to take the setpiece, but his delivery failed to trouble the Bullets defense.
Both sides then tried to settle and build momentum, showcasing some neat passing but struggling to register a shot on target.
At the 16th minute, Bullets won their first corner. Prince Jamali’s quick thinking in linking up with Lungu earned us a second corner, but the hosts’ defense stood firm to avert the danger.
Persistence finally paid off in the 25th minute, when our boys broke the deadlock with a breathtaking move. Pemphero Mdedza, dazzling on the left flank, sprayed a long ball to Bika, who brilliantly beat his marker before setting up Charles Kasalanga, who kept his cool and fired home, sending the Bullets into the lead.
Wanderers refused to be rattled and almost leveled five minutes later. Haroon Mphoto floated an inviting cross into the box, but Owen Dzombe’s header drifted narrowly wide.
The hosts continued to push and won a dangerous free kick in the 37th minute. Simplex Kapusa stepped up but sent his effort sailing over the bar. Moments later, Kapusa had another golden chance but again failed to find the target after a pinpoint cross from Mphoto.
Their resilience was finally rewarded in the 40th minute. A clumsy challenge by Yusuf Chambakata inside the box saw the referee point straight to the spot without hesitation. Dzombe, showing nerves of steel, sent McDonald Tchukambiri the wrong way to equalize and spark wild celebrations among the home faithful.
The first half ended with the teams locked at 1-1.
The second half
Going into the final period, Bullets made a change as Christopher Namponya replaced Osman George to inject fresh legs into the midfield battle.
Barely into the half, Yamikani Fodya’s boys won a corner kick and Brian Mwase stepped up to take the setpiece. However, with no one to meet his inviting delivery, Wanderers breathed a sigh of relief as they cleared the danger.
The tempo intensified, and by the 53rd minute, it had become a thrilling end-to-end spectacle, both sides relentlessly hunting for a crucial lead.
Fodya shuffled our pack again in the 58th minute, bringing on Kelvin Chimodzi and Thole Sachenja for Blessings Lungu and Pemphero Mdedza respectively, signaling an intent to push for a winner.
Wanderers, refusing to be outdone, fought back with a series of corners, notably through Mike Kumwenda, but our defense, organized by Anthony Soko and Gift Frank, stood tall and repelled every threat.
As the clock ticked down, Bullets made another switch with Samuel Mpinda coming on for the goal-scorer Charles Kasalanga, aiming to find some late magic.
The hosts, sensing blood, launched wave after wave of attack in the dying moments, but the away side showed incredible grit and composure to withstand the onslaught, forcing the match into a penalty shootout after a pulsating 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The shootout proved to be a test of nerves. Both sides traded blows from the spot, but it was Wanderers who held their nerve better, claiming a 5-4 victory after a tense series of kicks.
What next
Following the defeat on penalties to Wanderers Youth, our youngsters will turn their focus to the third-place playoff, where they will face CC Stars at Kamuzu Stadium on May 18.
Coach Fodya’s post-match reaction
“It was a very tough game. Both teams came well-prepared and after a 1-1 draw in normal time, it all came down to penalties. Wanderers handled it better and got the win. We congratulate them and wish them the best in the final.
“I’m proud of how we handled the game. We managed to score first, but unfortunately, a small mistake before halftime cost us a penalty. These are young players; they are still learning, and we are not putting pressure on them. It’s all part of their development, and they will only get better from here.”
