FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 returned to winning ways with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ntopwa Youth on Sunday in the Blantyre District Youth Football League.
The result came just a week after the young Maule suffered a narrow 4-3 loss to CC Stars. Determined to respond, the junior Bullets produced a dominant performance, with goals from Gomezgani Maziya, Steven Bika and captain Brian Mwase sealing a much-needed win.
First Half Action
Right from kick-off, Bullets U19 set the tone, pressing high and controlling the tempo in search of an early opener. Within ten minutes, Thole Sachenja tested the Ntopwa goalkeeper with a free kick that was safely gathered.
The pressure paid off in the 21st minute when winger Gomezgani Maziya opened the scoring. He connected with a precise cross from Steven Bika, nodding the ball home to reflect Bullets’ early dominance.
Sachenja came close to doubling the lead six minutes later, but his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by a recovering Ntopwa defender. Bullets continued to threaten, and after earning a corner in the 34th minute, Maziya’s short delivery to Osman George ended with a shot that flew wide.
The first half closed with Bullets firmly in control, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Second Half Action
Bullets made two substitutions at the restart, introducing Jazil Banet and Kelvin Phiri for Sachenja and Charles Kasalanga. But Ntopwa came out determined, earning back-to-back free kicks around the edge of the box, both crashing against the woodwork.
Macdonald Tchukambiri cleared a dangerous corner in the 45th minute before Bullets responded with a set piece of their own, which was defended well by the hosts.
Ahmad Ayami then came on for goal scorer Maziya, and the midfielder made an instant impact. In the 65th minute, he linked up superbly with Phiri, who delivered a pinpoint cross that found Bika, and the forward beat his marker and slotted home to make it 2-0.
Bullets weren’t done yet. Just four minutes later, the result was sealed when captain Brian Mwase powered home a header from an Osman George delivery to extend the lead to 3-0.
Coach Fodya’s Reaction
Speaking after the match, head coach Yamikani Fodya praised his squad for their character and sharp response following last weekend’s setback.
“I’m very pleased with the performance today. The boys showed character and responded exactly how we wanted after the setback against CC Stars. We controlled the game well from the start, created good chances and we executed our attacking transitions and scored in the first half.
The substitutions made a big impact. Ayami brought fresh energy in midfield and was crucial in the build-up to our second goal. That’s the kind of depth and response we expect from the bench.
It’s a positive result and puts us back on track. But we’ll keep pushing, one match at a time.”
What It Means
Sunday’s result takes Bullets Under-19 to 9 points from four games in the Blantyre District Youth Football League. The victory not only keeps the team within striking distance of the top spots but also reinforces their credentials as title contenders as the campaign picks up momentum.
