Bullets open four-point gap as Salima guides them past Dedza

Chikumbutso Salima continued his impressive form in the 2025 TNM Super League season, scoring a goal, providing an assist, and forcing an own goal as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defeated Dedza Dynamos 3-0 at the Kamuzu Stadium to open a four-point gap at the top of the league.

The attacker opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a fine finish before setting up substitute Chawanangwa Gumbo in the 51st minute. His low cross was then diverted into the net by Dedza’s Kazachang David Habu in the 68th minute as Bullets recorded their 14th win of the season.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

The People’s Team began by keeping possession and patiently waiting to create spaces in the Dynamos defense. Salima set up Peter Banda, who blasted his attempt over the bar, before the latter returned the favor, setting up Salima for his ninth goal of the season.

Babatunde Adepoju nearly grabbed the team’s second goal but failed to convert from close range. Gift Magola also had his attempt fly over the bar around the hour mark before Dedza made tactical changes, bringing on Kazachang David Habu and Chikondi Mbeta Jr. to replace Frank Chikufenji and Wellington Chimutu. This allowed Dynamos to settle and create some attacking opportunities.

At halftime, Bullets withdrew Khumbo Banda and Mike Mkwate for Chawanangwa Gumbo and Frank Willard. Babatunde was denied by the post before Salima recorded his tenth assist of the season, setting up Gumbo for Bullets’ second goal in the 51st minute. Wongani Lungu missed two chances as Bullets continued to press forward.

Paul Master left the pitch with an injury and was replaced by Blessings Joseph in the 64th minute. Four minutes later, Salima sent in a low cross that Habu unfortunately diverted into his own net. Maxwell Gasten Phodo and Ephraim Kondowe replaced Lungu and Babatunde for the hosts, while Luke Chima made way for Chifuniro Mpinganjira for Dynamos as Bullets secured the victory.

Assistant coach for the People’s Team, Gilbert Chirwa, praised the vital win as they continue building points in the league.

“It was a good win as it was played according to instructions. We dominated the game and managed to score three goals, which is very good, and we are happy with the result,” said Chirwa.

Dedza Dynamos head coach Alex Ngwira acknowledged the defeat, admitting his team showed too much respect to their opponents.

“For the first goal, we had a chance to clear the ball but failed, and Bullets capitalized. The same happened with the second and third goals—we gave them room to attack when we could have done better. We also failed to create our own chances,” said Ngwira.

The victory lifted Bullets to 43 points from 14 wins, one draw, and three defeats, maintaining their position at the top of the league. Dedza Dynamos dropped to 10th place with 21 points from six wins, three draws, and nine defeats.

Meanwhile, Chikumbutso Salima earned another man-of-the-match accolade, strengthening his position as a favorite for the player-of-the-season award. He now has nine goals and ten assists in the league this season.