FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 Secure Hard-Fought 2-1 Victory Over Young Stars in Blantyre District Youth Football League
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 continued their impressive form in the Blantyre District Youth Football League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Young Stars at Chilomoni Stadium on Monday morning. Goals from Jazil Bannet and Hassan Madula helped Bullets move to 13 points from seven games, strengthening their position in the league and restoring momentum after recent setbacks.
The first half saw Bullets starting strongly, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Inside ten minutes, Brian Mwase tested the hosts with a dangerous set piece, before Prince Jamali combined with Charles Kasalanga from a short corner, only for his strike to be cleared. Bullets' pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Hassan Madula neatly set up Jazil Bannet, who calmly slotted into the far post for 1-0.
Young Stars responded with a set piece on 25 minutes, but Bullets' defense held firm. Bannet thought he had doubled the lead moments later, only to be flagged offside. As the half wore on, Bullets kept pressing, with Blessings Lungu and Jamali both threatening, while the hosts went close with a free kick before the break. Bullets carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second period maintained high intensity, with Kasalanga firing over early and Madula forcing a save in the 50th minute. Bullets made changes, with Osman George replacing Lungu on 55 minutes. Soon after, Madula had the ball in the net again but was ruled offside. The second goal finally arrived in the 68th minute, with Kasalanga spotting Mwase's run, and though the skipper's shot was parried, Madula pounced to score the rebound and make it 2-0.
Young Stars nearly pulled one back immediately, but McDonald Tchukambiri produced a brilliant reflex save. Bullets made a triple substitution on 71 minutes, bringing in Ahmed Ayami, Samuel Zimba, and Innocent Chikalamba for Mwase, Jamali, and Bannet. The hosts, however, found a lifeline in the 79th minute when Gadi Mbamba headed home from a corner to cut the deficit to 2-1.
"It was a very tough match, but I'm proud of the boys for the way they handled themselves," said coach Yamikani Fodya after the game. "We wanted to start strongly and put pressure on the opponents, and we managed that very well in the first half. The goal from Bannet gave us confidence, and even when Young Stars pushed us, we stayed organised and disciplined. In the second half, we created more chances and got the second goal. Of course, conceding from a set piece is something we need to work on, but overall this performance shows great progress. Development is the priority, and the boys are growing in confidence and learning to manage difficult moments. This win gives us momentum and we'll continue to push and improve with every game."
Bullets U19s have won 4 out of 7 games in the league, with Bannet and Madula scoring 5 goals each for the team this season. However, they have conceded 3 goals from set pieces this season, which is an area they will need to address if they are to challenge for the championship.
The team's next match is against Wanderers on Monday, 14th March, at Balaka Stadium. Bullets will be looking to build on their recent victory and continue their push for the top spot in the league.
For more information about the Blantyre District Youth Football League, visit https://media.premierbetpartners.com/redirect.aspx?pid=43485&bid=5039 or follow the latest news and updates on FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 on their official Facebook page:
Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Young Stars in the Blantyre District Youth Football League, thanks to goals from Jazil Bannet and Hassan Madula. The win lifts the Junior Bullets to 13 points from seven games, strengthening their position in the league. The team showed great character and resilience, particularly in the second half, where they created more chances and doubled their lead through Madula. Despite conceding a goal from a set piece, the team's defense held firm, and the win gives them valuable momentum going forward. The coach, Fodya, was delighted with the team's response and character throughout the contest, highlighting the importance of development and growth in the team's priorities.
