Maxwell Phodo’s Hat-trick Fires Bullets into R16 of Castel Cup

A hat-trick from Maxwell Gasten Phodo powered FCB Nyasa Big Bullets into the Castel Challenge Cup round of 16 after a commanding 3-0 victory over Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium.

Under the scorching Karonga sun, the Red Army showed no signs of discomfort. From the opening exchanges, Bullets imposed themselves with authority, combining patience with ruthless efficiency to silence the home crowd early.

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Phodo opened the scoring in the 8th minute, calmly finishing off a move initiated by Ephraim Kondowe. Songwe attempted to respond, registering two shots on target through Wilson Lwango and Richard Cheyo, but goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu stood firm to preserve the lead.

Bullets absorbed the pressure and continued to dictate the tempo, even after Peter Banda was forced off injured and replaced by Mike Mkwate. Songwe kept probing, but clear chances were few and far between. Geoffrey Munthali fired over the bar late in the first half, while Chawanangwa Gumbo nearly doubled Bullets’ advantage in added time. At the break, the visitors held a deserved 1-0 lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Bullets growing in confidence and control. Phodo struck again in the 54th minute, rising to meet Yamikani Mologeni’s delivery with a well-directed header that left the Songwe defence exposed. Substitutions followed on both sides, but the balance of the contest had firmly tilted in Bullets’ favour.

As Songwe tired, Bullets tightened their grip. The third goal arrived in the 85th minute when Phodo completed his hat-trick, finishing off a move assisted by Sean McBrams. It was a moment that underlined his dominance on the afternoon and sealed the tie beyond doubt.

Interim coach Gilbert Chirwa praised his players for their discipline and execution.

“Our boys stuck to the game plan. We are happy with the result, but our focus now shifts to the next matches,” said Chirwa. “We created many chances and missed some despite scoring three. We will work on that because the remaining stages will be tougher.”

Songwe Technical Director Gift Chilongo pointed to inexperience as a key factor in his side’s defeat.

“We started well, but we lost concentration after conceding the first goal,” Chilongo said. “Most of our players came from non-league teams, but they are improving. We will address our weaknesses and come back stronger.”

Bullets will now face National Division League side Ndirande Stars in the round of 16. Ndirande advanced after edging Red Lions 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

The People’s Team are chasing a second cup title this campaign after lifting the Airtel Top 8 Cup and finishing runners-up in the TNM Super League. Last season, their Castel Challenge Cup journey ended in the semi-finals with a 1-4 penalty shootout defeat to Mzuzu City Hammers following a goalless draw at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.