In a highly anticipated showdown steeped in history and rivalry, Civo Service United finally broke their decade-long curse against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, securing a landmark 2-1 victory — their first league win over the People’s Team in more than ten years.
The match opened with intense energy from both sides. Civo looked lively early on, with Damiano Kunje delivering dangerous crosses from wide areas.
Meanwhile, Bullets tested Civo’s defense with probing attacks led by Babatunde Adepoju and Hassan Kajoke. Despite some promising chances — including a powerful 25-meter strike from Blessings Malinda and crucial defensive interventions by Peter Ng’ambi — neither side managed to find the net before halftime.
The first half was a tightly contested battle, with Civo holding a slight edge in possession and chances, while Bullets relied on solid defending and occasional bursts forward.
The deadlock was finally broken just three minutes into the second half when John Dambuleni capitalized on a defensive lapse to calmly slot the ball home, giving Civo the lead.
Bullets quickly responded, with Ephraim Kondowe equalizing after a precise assist from Adepoju, restoring parity and raising the stakes in an increasingly fierce encounter.
Civo’s resolve shone through as they pressed for the winner. Chikaiko Batson came close with a deflected shot, while Bullets’ best opportunity stemmed from a well-coordinated move between Maxwell Gasten Phodo and Adepoju — only to be denied by sharp goalkeeping from Rahaman John and a missed close-range finish.
The decisive moment arrived in the 87th minute when Moses Banda rose highest to meet a corner kick, powering a header into the far bottom corner. That strike sealed a historic victory for Civo, ending their decade-long drought against their local rivals.
Prior to this clash, Civo had failed to defeat Bullets in 17 league meetings over more than ten years. Bullets had dominated the head-to-head record with 12 wins and 5 draws. While Civo had managed draws in recent seasons, outright victories had eluded them — until now.
Following the match, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets remain atop the league with 27 points from 11 games, narrowly ahead of second-placed Mighty Wanderers, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Civo Service United climbed from 14th to 11th place with 13 points, gaining vital momentum in their campaign.
