In a thrilling encounter at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC staged an impressive comeback to defeat Civil Service 3-2, reclaiming their position at the top of the league standings.
The match was a roller-coaster of emotions, with goals, near misses, and a dramatic turnaround that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The game kicked off with Civil taking an early lead at the 19th-minute mark as Luke Chima capitalized on a rebound opportunity, slotting the ball past Bullets’ goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba after Binwell Katinji’s initial shot was deflected back into play.
Civil extended their advantage just three minutes later, as Loyd Aaron’s precise cross found Binwell Katinji who made no mistake with a powerful strike, doubling Civil’s lead and putting them in a commanding position.
However, the momentum shifted as the defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets began to find their rhythm. They had an opportunity to cut the deficit from the penalty spot after Patrick Mwaungulu was fouled, but Tione Tembo’s save denied Lanjesi Nkhoma a scoring chance.
Just before half-time, Lanjesi Nkhoma gave Bullets a glimmer of hope, pulling one back to make it 1-2, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The beginning of the second half saw Bullets make strategic changes, with Peter Banda, Ephraim Kondowe, and Frank Willard stepping onto the pitch in place of Kenneth Pasuwa, Kesten Simbi, and Anthony Mfune.
Bullets’ determination paid off in the 49th minute when Ephraim Kondowe found the back of the net, leveling the scoreline after a skillful exchange of passes with Peter Banda and Ernest Petro.
The match reached its climax in the 86th minute, as Patrick Mwaungulu stole the spotlight with a sensational goal. Mwaungulu’s brilliant shot soared into the top right corner of the net, sending Bullets ahead and sparking celebrations among both players and fans.
In post-match interviews, Bullets’ mentor Kalisto Pasuwa said the team had lost concentration in the first half, but came with full force in the second half.
Pasuwa however said his charges were affected by the previous games they had in CAF Champions League.
“The boys were very slow in the first half. Maybe the travelling part is affecting them. We conceded two goals in the first half because of lack of concentration. In the second half, we collected our mistakes. Our boys were offensive and attacking from every angle,” said Pasuwa.
In his words, Civil Service Assistant Coach Wilson Chidanti Malunga his charges displayed a magnificent game despite the loss.
Malunga, however, said Bullets came hard on the servants in the second half.
“The guys have played well. In the second half, we were second on the ball. We gave Bullets a chance, the room to play. So, they made things difficult for us, but that is part of the game,” said Malunga.
With the win, Bullets has reclaimed the top position with 37 points from 18 games, followed by their pitch sworn arch rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers with 36 points from 19 games.
Civil remains on 10th position on the log table with 24 points, having played 19 games.
In other games played today, Mafco Fc has moved out of the relegation zone following their victory over brother in arms Red Lions at Balaka Stadium. The Salima based soldiers scored through Duncan Mwale at first minute of the game and David Daud at 66 minutes, while Red Lions found a consolation goal through Brown Kondowe’s penalty kick at 88 minutes. Mafco is now on position 13 with 21 points from 20 games, while Red Lions remains on position 15 with 18 points from 19 games.
Elsewhere, Allen Chihana and Mwiso Youngson gave Karonga United a 2-0 win over Moyale Barracks at Karonga Stadium, while Oriafo Friday Osaigie handed Bangwe All Stars maximum points after a 1-0 victory away to Ekwendeni Hammers at Rumphi Stadium.
