FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Secure 2-0 Victory Over Chitipa United in TNM Super League
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets started the second round of the TNM Super League in style with a 2-0 victory over Chitipa United at Chitipa Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The People’s Team were clinical in both halves, with defender Henry Chiwaya breaking the deadlock before Babatunde Adepoju, coming off the bench, sealed the win from the penalty spot.
First Half Action
The game began at a lively pace, both teams winning early corners inside the opening five minutes. On 10 minutes, Chitipa’s Andrew Jovinala conceded a foul in a dangerous position, but Bullets’ defence stood firm to deal with the threat. Four minutes later, Chikumbutso Salima was released by Wongani Lungu, only for his low effort to be saved by goalkeeper Kennedy Nankhaima. Bullets thought they had opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Maxwell Phodo headed home another Lungu delivery, but the assistant referee flagged for offside.
Defender Scores First Goal for the Club
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 21st minute when Chiwaya, joining the attack from defence, latched onto a brilliant cross from Lungu and smashed home his first goal for the club to make it 1-0. Just two minutes later, Salima had another golden chance from another Lungu setup, but his weaker footed shot was comfortably gathered by Nankhaima.
Second Half Action
Head coach Peter Mponda made two changes at halftime, introducing Hassan Kajoke and Chawanangwa Gumbo for Peter Banda and captain Frank Willard. The tempo increased as Bullets pushed for a second goal. In the 55th minute, Lungu dazzled into the box and squared across goal, but Kajoke and Phodo both failed to convert. Chitipa immediately countered, but Joseph Mbamga fired over with the goal gaping.
Goalkeeper Produces Crucial Double Save
Moments later, Nyasulu produced a crucial double save to deny the hosts an equaliser. Mponda then freshened up his midfield, replacing Lungu with Yankho Singo on 64 minutes. The hosts also made changes, bringing in Steve Saka and Rajab Nyirenda for Asuman Julius and Elias Muywanga.
Substitute Seals the Victory
In the 72nd minute, Mabuchi Msika and Trouble Kajani came on for Chitipa as both sides continued to press. On 75 minutes, Peter Barry replaced Godfrey Kiyokwa for the home side, before Bullets introduced Babatunde Adepoju for Phodo in the 78th minute. With Chitipa pushing forward, Bullets remained compact and well-organised at the back. In the 86th minute, Salima took on Chitipa captain Eric Atsiga, driving into the box with pace and power. The winger was brought down, and the referee pointed straight to the spot.
Player of the Match Salima
Up stepped Baba, who calmly converted the penalty to make it 2-0, sealing the victory for The People’s Team. The hosts had a late penalty appeal of their own waved away by referee Misheck Juba, before Bullets saw out five minutes of added time to claim all three points.
Statement of Intent in the Second Round
Bullets’ tireless winger Chikumbutso Salima was named Player of the Match after a tireless display that saw him constantly trouble the Chitipa defence and win the crucial penalty for Babatunde’s goal. With this victory, Bullets move to the top of the TNM Super League standings with 37 points, two points ahead of Mighty Wanderers.
What's Next for Bullets
Bullets will stay up North for their next fixture against Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium in midweek, before facing Mafco at Balaka Stadium on February 19.
Bullets’ statement of intent in the second round of the TNM Super League was clear, as they demonstrated their hunger to fight back to the summit and bounce back from the frustrating 3-3 draw against Karonga United in their final first-round fixture.
The team's clinical performance at Chitipa Stadium, coupled with their solid defence and tireless work rate, will give them confidence as they continue their push for the title.
Bullets’ next challenge comes against Songwe Border United, a team they defeated 3-0 in the first round. With their sights set on maintaining their position at the top of the table, Bullets will be looking to continue their winning streak and build on their impressive start to the second round.
Bullets fans will be eagerly anticipating their team's next fixture, knowing that a victory will keep them in pole position and strengthen their title challenge.
As the TNM Super League enters its second round, Bullets are proving to be a force to be reckoned with, and their determination to succeed is clear for all to see.
Stay tuned for more updates on FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and the TNM Super League as the season unfolds.
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Bullets' next fixture: Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium, midweek
Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets won their second consecutive match at Chitipa Stadium, defeating Chitipa United 2-0 in the opening fixture of the second round of the TNM Super League. The team played clinically in both halves, with defender Henry Chiwaya scoring the first goal in the 21st minute and substitute Babatunde Adepoju sealing the win with a penalty kick in the 86th minute. The hosts had several chances to score, but Bullets' defense stood firm to secure the victory. Player of the Match Salima was instrumental in the win, creating scoring opportunities and winning the penalty that led to Babatunde's goal. With this victory, Bullets move to the top of the TNM Super League standings with 37 points, two points ahead of Mighty Wanderers.
