Eagles Silence Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium

Blue Eagles produced a disciplined and tactically astute performance to frustrate FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and walk away with maximum points in a tightly contested TNM Super League match at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

A solitary second-half strike from Laurent Banda, set up by the ever-lively Micium Mhone, was enough to separate the two sides in a match that never lacked intensity, physical duels, and tactical shifts, though, it certainly lacked the usual clinical spark from the home side.

The win to Eagles was the first in 10 years against Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium.

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The opening half unfolded with caution from both camps. The first glimpse of threat came in the sixth minute when Mhone capitalised on a lapse in Bullets’ defensive line, but goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu was alert to deny the visitors an early lead.

Bullets responded through a counter-attack moments later, earning a corner that was eventually cleared. From there, the match settled into a midfield battle, neither side fully asserting dominance nor crafting clear-cut chances.

Chikumbutso Salima was lively on the left flank for Bullets, constantly probing and forcing Blue Eagles’ backline into uncomfortable zones. However, the hosts failed to capitalise on his deliveries, and several half chances particularly one involving Maxwel Gasten Phodo went begging.

Blue Eagles had moments of their own. Mhone and Laurent Banda, and Levison Mnyenyembe tested the waters with ambitious attempts, but both sides went into the break goalless, having offered plenty of effort and movement but little precision in the final third.

Sensing a lack of cutting edge, Bullets coach Peter Mponda rang the changes at the restart, introducing Babatunde Adepoju, Hassan Kajoke, and Henry Chiwaya in place of Phodo, Peter Banda, and Dominic Musonda. The shift brought immediate energy, but Eagles stood firm, keeping their defensive shape intact as Bullets’ former pillar Sankhani Mkandawire was determined to frustrate his former bosses.

Eagles continued to win set-pieces in dangerous areas, though their execution by Ian Chinyama left much to be desired. Chinyama himself earned a yellow card, as did captain Gilbert Chirwa and goalkeeper Joshua Waka, who was cautioned for time-wasting.

The match reached a boiling point in the 72nd minute. Kajoke spurned a golden opportunity to put Bullets ahead, dragging his shot wide with the goal at his mercy. Then, moments later, Blue Eagles struck.

It was Mhone who again turned provider, he received the ball from substitute James Sholigah Stambuli who sliced through Bullets’ midfield to spot Mhone who effectively fed Banda, who kept his composure and calmly slotted past Nyasulu to stun the home crowd in the 79th minute.

The goal sparked urgency from Bullets, who pushed forward in numbers. Mike Mkwate came in for Blessings Joseph to add creativity, but Blue Eagles managed the game with confidence, even as bodies began to tire.

The closest Bullets came to rescuing a point arrived deep in stoppage time. Ephraim Kondowe struck a thunderous effort that beat Waka but not the woodwork, as the ball rattled off the upright, leaving the hosts cursing their luck.

Blue Eagles held firm through five nervy added minutes, and when the final whistle sounded, their bench erupted in celebration—aware of the significance of the win.

Analysis: Eagles’ Grit, Bullets’ Bluntness

This was not a game where Blue Eagles outplayed Bullets with only flair. They won it through tactical discipline, defensive organisation, and patience. They pressed selectively, denied Bullets space between the lines, and forced the hosts to shoot from less threatening positions.

Bullets looked short of ideas in the final third. The loss of captain Lloyd Aaron is still being felt, and their build-up play lacked the rhythm that usually unlocks defences. Mponda’s side also seemed to lose control in midfield, where Geoffrey Christian Maluwa bossed proceedings with calm authority and deservedly named Man of the Match.

For Eagles, this victory is more than three points. It is a statement performance that lifts them to 23 points and place them in top four teams on the log. For Bullets, it is a jolt back to reality—title races are not won on paper or pedigree, and every dropped point matters.

Final Score:

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 0-1 Blue Eagles
Goal: Laurent Banda (79′)
Man of the Match: Christian Maluwa (Blue Eagles)

(Pictures courtesy of Millias Chapita of M.H. Photography)