Goals from Kelvin Phiri and substitute Charles Kasalanga handed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 a deserved 2-0 victory over Extended Hope at Chilomoni Stadium on Friday afternoon, a result that lifted the young Maule to third place in the Blantyre District Youth Football Committee League.
First Half Action
Yamikani Fodya’s boys settled quickly and looked sharper in attack, while the hosts threatened twice in the opening 10 minutes.
Ahmad Ayami went close with a 16th-minute volley from a corner before Steven Bika fired wide. Soon after, Emmanuel Kaswaswa’s cross narrowly missed Hassan Madula. Extended Hope tried to hit on the counter, but Bullets’ midfield and backline regained control, building neat passing moves.
Maziya nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime, but his strike went wide, leaving the sides level at 0-0 at the break.
Second Half Action
Bullets introduced Brian Mwase and Blessings Lungu at the restart, and the fresh energy tilted the game in their favour. Five minutes into the half, Phiri broke the deadlock with a superb free kick that rewarded Bullets’ dominance.
Midway through the half, substitute Kasalanga doubled the advantage, finishing off a flowing team move that started in defence. Ayami’s incisive pass released Madula, who squared for Kasalanga to slot home clinically.
From there, the Junior Bullets dictated play with crisp interplay, while Extended Hope’s late efforts were comfortably contained as Bullets sealed a 2-0 win.
What It Means
The result moved Bullets U19s to 16 points from seven games, climbing to third on the log. They now sit four points behind leaders Mighty Wanderers Youth and just one point shy of second-placed Soche Madrid.
What Next
Focus now shifts to the eagerly awaited second mini-derby of the season as Bullets U19 prepare to take on rivals and table-toppers Wanderers Youth in a crucial showdown.
Coach’s Reaction
Head coach Fodya hailed his players’ composure and character.
“I’m very happy with the way the boys played today. We created chances in the first half but couldn’t convert, and I told them to stay calm and disciplined. In the second half, they came back stronger, controlled possession, and scored at the right time.
The substitutions gave us energy, and Kasalanga took his chance brilliantly. It shows we have good depth in this squad. Now our attention turns to the derby, which will be tough, but if we play with the same hunger and discipline, we can compete strongly against anyone.”
