Two Hat-Tricks, One Winner: Bullets Survive Civil Scare to Claim Top Spot

A classic at Kamuzu Stadium — seven goals, two hat-tricks, controversy, and relentless attacking football from both sides as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets staged a spirited comeback to claim a dramatic 4–3 victory over Civil Service United in a pulsating TNM Super League encounter.

Chikumbutso Salima bagged a hat-trick to extend his scoring record to 12 goals this season, drawing level with his teammate Babatunde Adepoju at the top of the scoring chart, while Peter Banda scored the other goal for Bullets.

For Civil, Chikaiko Batison scored a hat-trick but it wasn’t enough for him to rescue his team from a second consecutive defeat.

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Heading into the game, with Mighty Wanderers’ draw against Silver Strikers on Saturday, Bullets were in need of a win to go top of the table. They were also looking to respond to their winless streak after losing two of their previous three games.

For Civil, they were looking to respond to their defeat to Chitipa United.

Civil stunned the home crowd early when Chikaiko Batison put them ahead in the 8th minute, finishing off a move initiated from a quickly recovered ball after a corner. The visitors grew in confidence and dominated early exchanges.

Bullets responded in the 16th minute through Peter Banda, who finished off excellent work from Ephraim Kondowe to level matters.

Civil, however, regained their lead in the 28th minute after a costly mistake from goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu, whose misplaced pass gifted Batison his second goal of the afternoon.

The hosts pushed back immediately, and after a series of attacking moves, Chikumbutso Salima equalised in the 37th minute from a rebound.

The momentum shifted completely in stoppage time when Salima rose highest to head home a Mapemba corner, assisted by substitute Babatunde Adepoju who had replaced captain Frank Willard, putting Bullets 3–2 up at the break.

Chaos followed as Civil’s bench protested for an offside, leading to head coach Abbas Makawa receiving a straight red card.

The second half continued with the same intensity. Bullets introduced Yamikani Mologeni at halftime and extended their lead in the 55th minute when Salima completed his hat-trick — and his team’s fourth goal — after connecting with another well-placed pass from Babatunde.

Civil refused to give up. Batison matched Salima’s feat in the 71st minute, completing his own hat-trick with a composed finish from Khumbo Mhone’s delivery, making it 4–3 and setting up a nervy ending.

The closing stages were tense, with Bullets managing multiple injury scares involving both Salima and captain Righteous Banda. Salima eventually limped off in the 89th minute after a heavy challenge, replaced by Blessings Joseph.

A flurry of late yellow cards — including bookings for Batison, Shukuran Mwawa, and Mapemba — reflected the intensity of the contest, but Bullets held firm through four minutes of additional time.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets assistant coach, Gilbert Chirwa, conceded that they had a tough game but was satisfied with the win.

“The win means a lot. We did not do well in the past games and the win is a morale booster as we are eyeing the title,” he explained.

His counterpart, Abbas Makawa, congratulated his players and pointed out that the team will work on its shortfalls.

“We gave everything we could but it ended the way it has. I don’t want to dwell on the fact that the officiating team was biased. If not for the officiating, the result would have been different,” he said.

Bullets have now played 23 games and are now on top of the log with 53 points, just a point ahead of Mighty Wanderers who have a game in hand.

Bullets’ remaining home games include Ekhaya FC and Mzuzu City Hammers. They will travel to face Kamuzu Barracks, Moyale Barracks, Karonga United, Mighty Tigers and CRECK Sporting Club.

Given their familiarity with pressure and their winning mentality, Bullets pose a serious threat to Wanderers, who are counting on a game in hand to move above Bullets and win the league for the first time since 2017.

Bullets, under the tutelage of Peter Mponda, will look to fight for the trophy and reclaim their dominance after losing the title last season to Silver Strikers.

Mponda will also look to win the league back-to-back, having done so last season when in charge of Silver.

Featured image by Bullets media