Babatunde strikes twice as Bullets go top amidst heated title fight

Babatunde Adepoju scored twice and assisted the other to inspire FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to a comeback 3-1 win over Songwe Border United and help the team capitalize on Mighty Wanderers’ slip to move to the top of the standings at the Karonga Stadium on Wednesday.

The People’s team entered their third week in the North after playing Chilumba Barracks in a cup game and a second-round opener against Chitipa United at the Chitipa Stadium and had to finish their trip against the rookies who have yet to record a win.

The team struggled heavily in the first half as they were forced to make an early change before Kelvin Nyondo scored for Songwe Border United, but Babatunde Adepoju leveled the scores just before half-time. He then scored two minutes into the second half and assisted Chikumbutso Salima for the third goal.

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Both teams began the match on a balanced note as both Gule Mwaitsope and Abraham Mwandenga went close to scoring for the hosts while Chikumbutso blasted his attempt over the bar in the opening 20 minutes. Maxwell Gasten Phodo was then withdrawn as early as the 25th minute for Lameck Gamphani.

The change brought an impact as Bullets started to dominate the proceedings, but it was Songwe who first took the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 40th minute. Innocent Nyasulu saved Kelvin Nyondo’s kick, but on the rebound he was beaten. The lead lasted for just four minutes as Babatunde Adepoju headed in Chikumbutso Salima’s cross to level the scores.

Pamene Mwakikunga replaced Festus Chikwegza for the hosts at half-time before Babatunde capitalized on a defensive error to score his third goal in the second round in the 47th minute. Salima had his shot go wide initially but found the back of the net in the 61st minute to extend the lead.

Ephraim Kondowe, Yamikani Mologeni and Sean McBrams replaced Babatunde, Khumbo Banda and Frank Willard for Bullets before Aaron Kayira missed his attempt on goal. Moses Joseph then paved the way for Aloyce Mwamwaya and Salima came off for Hassan Kajoke, which yielded nothing more for either team.

Assistant coach for the People’s team, Gilbert Chirwa, hailed his players for making the trip to the North successful.

“It was a good game but very tough as Songwe came strong because they are at the bottom of the table, but the boys worked hard and we got the results. Playing three games and winning all of them means the journey was successful,” said Chirwa.

The head coach for the rookies, Christopher Nyambose, said his team played very well but that they faced an experienced side and had to accept defeat.

“Bullets is a good team that has quality players who they can rotate however they want, and they’re full of experience compared to us, so we have accepted the defeat. But I’m happy with how my boys played,” said Nyambose.

The win took the People’s team up to 40 points, one clear of second-placed Mighty Wanderers, as they have 13 wins, one draw and three defeats while Songwe remain at the bottom of the table with two points from 15 losses and two draws.

Meanwhile, Babatunde Adepoju took his tally in the league to 11 goals while Chikumbutso Salima moved up to 8 goals and 9 assists as both continue their impressive performances for the People’s team.