Paul masters as Salima secures victory for Bullets against MAFCO

Chikumbutso Salima scored his seventh goal of the 2025/26 TNM Super League season, and Paul Master was named Player of the Match. The goal secured a vital three points for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, allowing them to return home with six points from two consecutive away matches against Mzuzu City Hammers and MAFCO FC.

After defeating Hammers on Thursday, the “People’s Team” made a stop at Mponela to conclude their away assignment against MAFCO FC. Salima’s late header from a Yamikani Mologeni’s cross put Bullets just one point behind league leaders Mighty Wanderers, who had dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Chitipa United.

The victory also snapped MAFCO’s impressive four-game unbeaten streak. Bullets will now look to finish the first round of the season on a high note as they host Karonga United, while the defeat leaves the Salima-based soldiers in 10th place ahead of their final first-half match against Ekhaya FC.

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MAFCO Left to Rue Missed Chances Despite Strong Performance

Coming off a strong run of three wins and a draw in their last four matches, MAFCO entered the game against Bullets full of confidence. They started slowly but quickly found their rhythm, with Paul Khado Ndlobvu anchoring the defense, and the midfield trio of Austace Mwale, Yohane Malunga, and forward China Chirwa leading the charge.

MAFCO squandered several big chances in the first half, exploiting a Bullets defense that looked shaky in a rarely-used 4-3-3 formation. Defensive midfielder Frank Willard was booked just 15 minutes in and was substituted five minutes later. The hosts were also hit with an injury setback when striker Chifundo Moloson was replaced by Rodwell Robert.

The home side was dangerous on the counter-attack, and a costly error from Bullets’ Andrew Jovinala gifted Prince Kachere a golden opportunity. His initial shot hit the post, and the rebound sailed over the bar. Robert also had an effort saved by Bullets goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu, and Chirwa placed a shot just wide.

In the second half, MAFCO’s pace slowed, and they were pushed back into their own half. Despite this, they still created a few chances, with Yohane Malunga forcing a save from a free-kick. However, they finally conceded when Salima rose highest to head Adepoju’s cross into the back of the net. MAFCO goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa pulled off a brilliant save to deny Adepoju, but the rebound fell to Paul Master, whose powerful shot was heroically cleared off the line by Paul Ndlovu.

Mponda’s “Trial and Error” Pays Off

After two consecutive losses to Civil Service United and Blue Eagles before the trip to Rumphi, Bullets knew they needed to come back with six points. They fought hard to win against Hammers, and coach Mponda’s tactical changes were on display against MAFCO.

Mponda gave Lameck Gamphani a starting spot, with Babatunde Adepoju on the bench. The team started brightly, with a good combination between Yamikani Mologeni and Gamphani on the right flank. Gamphani sent a header over the bar from a Mologeni delivery early on, but Mologeni was surprisingly taken off after only 20 minutes and replaced by Hassan Kajoke. This substitution slowed Bullets’ momentum and allowed MAFCO to take control.

Bullets’ second big chance of the first half came when Mologeni, who had re-entered the game, delivered a beautiful cross, but both Kajoke and Salima failed to communicate, and Salima’s blocked effort didn’t find its way to Kajoke, who was well-placed to score.

Maxwell Phodo, who had replaced Frank Willard, was himself replaced by Babatunde Adepoju at the start of the second half. This substitution sparked a bright start for Bullets in the second half, with Salima’s shot saved by Mikuwa, and the rebound from Adepoju sailing over the bar. Adepoju nearly put Bullets ahead in the 60th minute, but his shot hit the side netting. Shortly after, Kajoke was replaced by Mike Mkwate.

Adepoju continued to be a threat, beating his man and crossing a beautiful ball to Salima, who missed an open chance. However, he redeemed himself minutes later. MAFCO failed to clear the ball, and it landed at the feet of Mologeni, whose cross found Salima at the back post. This time, the young forward made no mistake, heading the ball beyond Mikuwa to secure the victory.