FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 Reignite Title Hopes with Commanding 4-1 Victory
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 bounced back from two consecutive defeats in style on Saturday morning, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Airspot United at Kamuzu Stadium. The win lifted the Junior Maule to 22 points in the Blantyre District Youth Football League, reigniting their momentum in the title race.
Bullets started the game brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when Prince Jamali released Steven Bika, who squared for Charles Kasalanga to finish with composure for 1-0. Airspot threatened an equaliser in the 20th minute through Wunji Zgambo, who headed wide, but the miss was punished three minutes later when Hassan Madula doubled Bullets’ advantage. Madula turned home Kasalanga's cross after good work from Blessings Lungu.
The visitors pulled one back in the 37th minute when Zgambo set up Precious Masanje to make it 2-1. Lungu could have restored the two-goal cushion before the break but missed a one-on-one, leaving the score 2-1 at halftime.
The Junior Maule came out firing after the restart, with Bika and Madula going close before Zgambo wasted a golden chance for Airspot. In the 54th minute, Bullets introduced Jazeel Bannet to freshen up their attack, and the change soon paid off as Kasalanga struck again in the 63rd minute, converting Lungu's cross to complete his brace and stretch the lead to 3-1.
With the hosts in control, coach Yamikani Fodya made a triple substitution in the 70th minute, introducing Esau Kumwenda, Duncan Kumbuyo and Osman George for Lungu, Madula and Kasalanga. The substitutes combined late on to seal the result. George found Bannet in the 80th minute, and the forward powered home a brilliant strike to make it 4-1 and round off a convincing victory.
"This was a very important win for us," Fodya said after the game. "We came into the game knowing we had to react after the last two results, and I'm proud of how the boys responded. From the first whistle, we showed hunger, pressed with intensity, and took our chances well. Everyone played their part – from the attackers who scored the goals to the midfield and defence who worked tirelessly, and the substitutes who came in and made a big impact. That's the kind of spirit we need going forward."
The win was more than just three points for Bullets. After back-to-back defeats, this emphatic display restored confidence and underlined the depth and resilience within the squad. With 22 points now on the board, Bullets U19s remain firmly in the hunt for the title as the BDYFL campaign enters a decisive phase.
Bullets have now scored 24 goals and conceded 15 in the league this season. Kasalanga has scored six goals in the league, while the team has won seven out of 11 games. The next challenge for the Junior Maule comes against Ekhaya Youth, and Fodya has challenged his charges to build on the performance and stay consistent.
As the league campaign enters a crucial stage, Bullets will be looking to maintain their form and keep pushing for the title. With the team's resilience and determination on display against Airspot United, they are certainly a force to be reckoned with.
To keep up with the latest news and updates on FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19, follow us on Facebook.
Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Under-19 defeated Airspot United 4-1 in a commanding victory in the Blantyre District Youth Football League. Charles Kasalanga scored twice for the Junior Maule, who ended a two-game losing streak with the win. The team's coach, Yamikani Fodya, praised the players for their response after the defeats, highlighting their intensity and hunger in the victory. The win lifted the team to 22 points in the standings, solidifying their position in the title race.
