FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on Sunday came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Zambia’s Red Arrows at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
This is the 2024/25 first preliminary round of the first leg for the Total-Energies CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup between the two giants.
The game started on a high note with both teams in a menacing mood, but the home team dictated the pace, creating several good opportunities in the first half.
The second half was a fascinating contest as the two teams wasted opportunities, but high pressing attacking football gave Red Arrows the lead after 57 minutes through Ricky Banda’s goal.
Malawi’s representative, also known as Maule and the People’s Team, equalised through Nigerian Babatunde Adepoju in the 77th minute after receiving a brilliant pass from Yankho Singo.
However, Maule’s superiority and tactical prowess towards the end of the second half, proved the difference in a nail-biting encounter when Precious Phiri doubled the lead in the 82nd minute.
Although the military team from Zambia piled pressure in a desperate attempt to equalise, Bullets stood firm to register victory.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Head Coach Kallisto Pasuwa congratulated his boys on the victory, saying they showed their commitment and determination.
“What a dominant performance by our incredible players today, and I salute them for their dedication and passion for coming from behind to secure a win over the soldiers of Zambia. This convincing win gives us a massive boost of confidence in our team as we prepare for the next game to be played away from home,” he said.
On the other hand, Head Coach for Red Arrows Chisi Mbewe said while it is disappointing to lose the match, the team’s overall performance was commendable.
He said he will learn from this experience and come back stronger in their next match to be played on the 24th of August at Nkoloma Stadium in Zambia.
