FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under 19s suffered their first defeat in the 2024 FCB Katswiri Under 20 League following a 1-0 loss to Manchester Motor Spares FC at the Police Training School Ground on Monday afternoon.
What happened
A highly-anticipated match between our youth team and the Manchester Motors Spares got off to a flying start, with both sides creating scoring opportunities in the opening minutes.
Ronald Panje of Motors headed wide in the 2nd minute, while Kelvin Chimodzi’s shot for our 19s went off target.
As the game intensified, both teams battled for dominance, exchanging blows and creating half-chances. Precious Kumbanga on our side shot over the bar in the 15th minute.
Four minutes after that miss, Movic Banda broke the deadlock for the visitors with a stunning goal crafted by intricate passing from the back, giving the Motors a lead.
Bullets responded fiercely, pouring forward in search of an equalizer. Precious Chamangwana’s strike from a corner kick went wide in the 35th minute, but Yamikani Fodya’s boys’ pressure continued unabated.
The introduction of Owen Themu for Kumbanga at halftime proved pivotal to our side, as they controlled the tempo of the game. However, the visiting side’s defence held firm, repelling waves of attacks and counter-attacking with menace.
Martin Adam’s shot was blocked in the 49th minute, while Chimodzi’s effort sailed wide. Bullets made another double substitution when we introduced fresh legs of Geoffrey Kamwendo and Issah Felix for Chimodzi and Brian Mwase, but the Motors remained resolute to guard their slender lead.
In the end, the visitors’ lone goal proved enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, handing the young Bullets their first defeat in the 2024 FCB Katswiri Under 20 League.
What it means
The result means our boys’ nine-game unbeaten run came to an end on Monday.
But despite the defeat, Bullets U19s are still top of the standings, having collected 25 points from ten games.
Coach Fodya’s post-match reaction
“We’re gutted to lose our first game in the league, but proud of the boys’ performance. We’re developing young players, and this experience will help them grow. We’ll bounce back stronger from this defeat.”
What next
With Monday afternoon’s defeat, the young Bullets will switch focus to Friday morning’s fixture when they face Agumbala FC at the same PTS Ground, before playing Assima FC at Chilomoni Stadium on Monday.
