Chikumbutso Salima, Sean McBrams, and Chawanangwa Gumbo each scored a goal, guiding FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to a convincing 3-0 triumph over Moyale Barracks, which enabled the team to regain the top position in the TNM Super League.
The match, which took place at Kamuzu Stadium, was attended by a sizable crowd as Bullets made a concerted effort to secure the win and ascend to the top of the table, surpassing Mighty Wanderers, who had previously topped the table following their 2-0 victory over Dedza Dynamos on Sunday.
Bullets’ first scoring opportunity came in the 6th minute when Chikumbutso Salima located Lloyd Aaron on the edge of the penalty box.
The midfielder fired at goal, but his shot barely missed Jeremiah Simfukwe’s right-hand post. The breakthrough for Bullets came in the 11th minute, initiated by Babatunde Adepoju, who outplayed Lovemore Jere before delivering a precise pass into the penalty box, catching Maneno Nyoni and Simfukwe off guard, and allowing Salima to score into an empty net, securing a 1-0 lead.
With the visitors under increasing pressure, Coach Pritchard Mwansa opted for a quick change in the 26th minute, replacing Walusungu M’doka with Clever Kalambo to enhance his attacking capabilities, which had been somewhat restricted.
Mkwate had a prime opportunity to double Bullets’ lead in the 34th minute, courtesy of Babatunde’s setup, but his shot sailed wide from close range.
Nevertheless, the hosts persisted, and McBrams eventually succeeded in doubling their lead with a skillfully crafted goal.
In a repeat performance of his impressive display against the same opposition in the FDH Bank Cup last season, Babatunde initiated a brilliant run from Bullets’ half, navigating through two defenders to provide McBrams with a scoring opportunity, which he effortlessly converted, securing a 2-0 advantage.
The visitors almost responded to conceding when Nyoni was granted an opportunity outside the penalty box, but his shot went over the crossbar.
Mwansa’s men had their first attempt at goal through Kalambo, whose shot was well saved by Nyasulu for a corner, which Andrew Jovinala defended well, and that was all for the half. After the recess, Banda, Wongani Lungu, Kajoke, and Edward Thengo replaced Babatunde, Mkwate, McBrams, and Musonda.
The visitors dominated the final half’s opening minutes but failed to penetrate the final third due to Blessings Mpokera’s outstanding defensive display for the hosts.
In the 51st minute, Bullets were allowed to extend their lead when Salima’s pass located Lungu unmarked in the box, but the midfielder’s indecisiveness resulted in him ceding possession to Nyoni, who executed a timely clearance.
A further chance arose for Bullets in the 56th minute when Banda secured a free kick in the offensive zone, but his delivery into the box was effectively neutralised by Nyoni, who demonstrated control over aerial balls directed at the visitors’ box.
Conversely, Mwansa’s men persisted in pushing for a goal through Charles Nkhoma and Kalambo, but every cross into the box was met by an in-form Mpokera, who consistently secured the ball inside the box.
During the 52nd minute, Nkhoma created space for a shot before firing at goal, but Nyasulu made a save.
Mponda introduced Chawanangwa Gumbo in place of Willard in the 62nd minute to add more attacking firepower.
Kajoke had a chance to score, but his shot was saved by Simfukwe. Moyale’s coach made a substitution in the 74th minute, replacing Lesman Singini with Chimwemwe Kashoti.
The visiting team continued to push forward, with Nkhoma leading some dangerous attacks into the Bullets’ defensive area, although they were unable to finish these opportunities due to a lack of composure.
The People’s Team sealed the win in the 78th minute through Gumbo, whose powerful shot was just too much for Simfukwe to handle as he saw the ball rolling into the net, 3-0.
The midfielder, who was celebrating his birthday, was assisted by Mologeni.
There were no further goals as Bullets showcased their skills in managing the game, sealing the win to retain the top of the summit with 24 points from nine games.
