As the first round of the 2025 TNM Super League draws to a close, Mzuzu City Hammers find themselves in a precarious position, second from bottom with just 8 points after 12 games. This is a far cry from their strong 2024 season, where they finished fourth and reached the FAM Cup and Castel Cup finals, narrowly losing to Mighty Wanderers.
Despite their current struggles, winning their last three first-round games could lift Hammers out of the relegation zone if other struggling teams drop points. However, this is a challenging prospect. Hammers have only secured two wins this season, against rivals Moyale Barracks and Dedza Dynamos, alongside two draws and eight losses. They’ve also been winless in their last five matches, with two losses and a draw.
Today, Hammers face a formidable test against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Rumphi Stadium, followed by matches against Central Region powerhouses Civil Service United and Silver Strikers.
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Bullets Aim to Close the Gap
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, six points adrift of league leaders Mighty Wanderers, are desperate for a win to cut the deficit to three points. They enter this match on the back of consecutive defeats to Civil United away and Blue Eagles at home – a rare stumble for the team, marking their highest number of first-round losses in a decade.
“We are coming from a painful defeat to Blue Eagles,” said Peter Mponda, Bullets’ head coach. “The players understand the importance of bouncing back and how costly it is to drop points. We need to recover the points we lost on Sunday.”
Bullets are feeling the absence of midfielders Lloyd Banega Aaron and Yankho Singo, who departed for Muaithe FC and Golden Arrows respectively. While new signing Paul Master from Blue Eagles has been given a midfield role, his fitness levels are still improving. Mponda has also acknowledged that his defense, though solid with a strong midfield, is still developing.
A clash of strengths and struggles
Hammers’ offensive and defensive statistics highlight their challenges, with only 9 goals scored and 21 conceded. In contrast, Bullets boast the league’s best defensive record, having conceded just five goals in 12 matches, and are also the top-scoring team with 27 goals in the same period.
Playing at Rumphi Stadium might offer Hammers a slight advantage, a factor Bullets coach Mponda acknowledges. “We are in the north, a very difficult place to play football, a very difficult place to get results,” Mponda said. “They [Hammers] are not only good at home, but also away. In their last two games, they were just unfortunate to lose but played very well. They will be playing at home, and we expect a tough test.”
Both teams have seen significant player departures. Bullets lost key starters like Gomezgani Chirwa, Nixon Nyasulu, Stanley Sanudi, Alick Lungu, and Precious Phiri before the season. Mponda, who guided Silver Strikers to a league championship last year before joining Bullets, is tasked with rebuilding the squad while still securing results. Bullets have won a trophy every year since 2014, and have already claimed one this season.
Mzuzu City Hammers, on the other hand, have a history of developing talent like Wongani Lungu, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Blessings Singini, and Chany Mtete, who now play for Bullets and Wanderers. However, finding adequate replacements has been a persistent challenge.
“In terms of results, we haven’t been very good, but we are happy with where we are at the moment,” said a Hammers official. “Yes, we are struggling, but not under pressure. We are still within reach and are taking it game by game.”
Bullets supporters understand the team was “disjointed” at the start of the season as a new team is being built. The coach urged for patience.
Historically, Mzuzu City Hammers have never beaten Bullets in a league game across eight meetings, with seven losses and two draws. Hammers will be hoping to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat today. Bullets, conversely, need this crucial away win to solidify their title aspirations and demonstrate their continued championship form to their fans.
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