FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have taken a commanding grip on the TNM Super League title race after thrashing MAFCO 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, opening a seven-point gap at the summit ahead of this weekend’s crucial Blantyre Derby.
Hassan Kajoke struck twice in the first half before substitute Babatunde Adepoju sealed the victory with his 12th goal of the season, as the People’s Team delivered a statement performance heading into their showdown with Mighty Wanderers.
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Bullets controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, creating a flurry of early chances that should have yielded goals. Kajoke squandered a one-on-one opportunity with MAFCO goalkeeper Owen Mbale at the 11-minute mark, before the keeper produced a fantastic save to deny Paul Master three minutes later. Ephraim Kondowe also sent his effort wide when through on goal.
The hosts continued to dominate possession and pile on the pressure. Chawanangwa Gumbo forced another save from Mbale before Bullets finally found their breakthrough in the 37th minute. Master turned provider, setting up Kajoke who made no mistake to break the deadlock.
Eight minutes later, Bullets doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. Kondowe was fouled inside the box, and Kajoke stepped up to convert the spot-kick, giving his side a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Bullets made two changes at halftime, with Yamikani Mologeni and Babatunde Adepoju replacing Peter Banda and Kondowe. The substitutions maintained the hosts’ momentum as they continued to create chances.
Kajoke nearly turned provider early in the second half, setting up Babatunde with a brilliant run, but the striker’s shot went wide at the 47-minute mark. Rodwell Robert missed another glorious opportunity on the hour, blasting his effort over the bar.
MAFCO made three substitutions in quick succession, bringing on Awalu Ali, Chifundo Moloseni, and Prince Kachere for Auspicious Kadzongola, Robert, and Sichinga as they sought a way back into the contest.
Bullets made further changes when Chikumbutso Salima replaced Kajoke in the 73rd minute, followed by Sean McBrams coming on for Bright Munthali. Four minutes after his introduction, the adjustments paid dividends.
McBrams turned creator, setting up Babatunde who fired home his 12th goal of the season to put the result beyond doubt. Gumbo was later replaced by Mike Mkwate as Bullets managed the closing stages.
MAFCO had late chances through Paul Ndhlovu and China Chirwa but squandered both opportunities, allowing Bullets to cruise to a comprehensive victory.
Post-Match Reaction
Bullets assistant head coach Gilbert Chirwa expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance ahead of the crucial derby fixture.
“We controlled the game and I’m happy that we managed to get three points today which put us up further in the League,” Chirwa said.
However, MAFCO head coach Stereo Gondwe was left fuming with the officiating, claiming poor decisions cost his team the match.
“The referee frustrated us in the first half and we could not come back into the game. Everyone saw what he was doing and his decisions have cost us the game. Bullets against MAFCO is a big game and needs better referees because this result was pre-made,” Gondwe said.
The victory sends FCB Nyasa Big Bullets into this weekend’s Blantyre Derby with a commanding position at the top of the table. They now have 49 points from 20 games, having won 16 matches, drawn once, and lost three—sitting seven points clear of Mighty Wanderers, who have played two games fewer.
For MAFCO, the defeat leaves them in a precarious 10th position with 23 points from 21 games. With six wins, five draws, and 10 losses, they find themselves just five points above the relegation zone.
The stage is now set for a potentially title-defining Blantyre Derby, with Bullets holding a healthy advantage as they seek to maintain their grip on the championship.
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