FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 Suffer Narrow 1-0 Defeat at Home to Manchester Motors
In a closely contested Blantyre District Youth Football League match at Kamuzu Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester Motors. Despite creating several chances and showing promising signs of progress, Bullets were unable to find the breakthrough and conceded early in the second half.
The first half was a tight contest, with both sides trading half chances. Motors nearly struck inside the opening minutes, first from a corner that drifted wide before Edson Chibalo fired off target after a quick counter. Bullets responded in the 10th minute when Prince Jamali combined with Jazil Bannet from a short corner, but the winger’s effort went wide. Hassan Madula also whipped in a dangerous cross for Blessings Lungu, only for his attempt to roll past the post.
As the half wore on, both sides continued to create opportunities, but neither could find the opener. Kelvin Phiri’s corner evaded everyone, while Jamali’s free kick failed to trouble the visiting goalkeeper. The first half ended goalless, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
Bullets introduced Osman George and Charles Kasalanga in the second half as they pushed for an equaliser. However, Motors found the breakthrough in the 49th minute when Imran Innusa converted a teasing cross from Chibalo to hand the away side a 1-0 lead. From there, Motors grew in confidence and defended compactly, forcing Bullets to chase the game.
Despite the result, Bullets head coach Yamikani Fodya praised his players for their efforts. "The boys played really well today and showed exactly what we are teaching them in training," he said. "Of course, the result is disappointing, but we remain focused on growth. For us, it’s about nurturing talent and ensuring these boys progress. The standings will take care of themselves — what matters most is their improvement game by game."
The defeat keeps Bullets in third place in the standings, but they remain within touching distance of the top. As they continue their development journey, Bullets will look to build on their promising performances and find the consistency needed to challenge for the title.
Meanwhile, Manchester Motors will be delighted with their narrow victory and the confidence it will give them going forward. The next fixture for both teams is against Mafco Youth and Silver Strikers Youth respectively, with Bullets looking to bounce back from this disappointing result.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19: Chikondi Chirwa, Hassan Madula, Blessings Lungu, Frank Chirwa, Kelvin Phiri, Prince Jamali, Jazil Bannet, Ishmael Kawonga, John Banda, Yamikani Mhango, Brighton Mwale, Osman George, Charles Kasalanga, Chimwemwe Mkandawire, Precious Mkandawire, Zondani Chirwa.
Manchester Motors: Chikondi Malimba, Chinelo Mkandawire, Isaac Sukasuka, Chimwemwe Chirwa, Lucky Chitete, Imran Innusa, Edson Chibalo, Tawonga Chirwa, Precious Chirwa, Stanley Chimwaza, Brighton Kawonga, Chimwemwe Chirwa, Lucky Chitete, Richard Mponda, Salimu Mkandawire.
The next fixture for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 is against Mafco Youth on Saturday, 14th May, while Manchester Motors face Silver Strikers Youth on the same day. Both matches will be played at Kamuzu Stadium.
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Summary: In a closely contested match, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 were defeated by Manchester Motors with a score of 1-0. Despite creating chances and showing promising signs of progress, Bullets were unable to find the breakthrough and conceded early in the second half. The defeat keeps Bullets in third place in the standings, but their head coach Yamikani Fodya remains focused on the team's long-term vision of nurturing talent and ensuring the players' improvement game by game.
