BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FCB Nyasa Big Bullets staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Civil Service United 4-3 in a pulsating TNM Super League match on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium.
Civil started the match on the front foot and stunned the home crowd just eight minutes into the game when Chikaiko Batison finished off a move initiated from a corner.
Bullets, however, responded in the 16th minute through Peter Banda, who equalized after a well-timed pass from Ephraim Kondowe.
A costly mistake from goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu in the 28th minute gifted Batison his second of the afternoon, restoring Civil’s lead and putting the hosts under pressure once again.
The turning point for Bullets came in the 35th minute when Babatunde Adepoju was introduced. His presence immediately changed the rhythm of their attack and two minutes later, Chikumbutso Salima pounced on a rebound to level the scores 2-2, sparking excitement in the stands.
With halftime approaching, Bullets’ momentum grew stronger.
In the 44th minute, Mapemba whipped in a corner which Salima headed home to give the hosts the lead for the first time although Civil protested for offside, resulting in head coach Abbas Makawa being shown a red card after a heated exchange with match officials.
The second half kicked off with Bullets carrying their attacking form and in the 55th minute, Salima completed a sensational hat-trick—his third goal assisted by Babatunde. The home side looked comfortable at 4-2.
Civil, however, refused to surrender. Batison completed his own hat-trick in the 71st minute after a clever pass from Khumbo Mhone, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense finish.
After the match, Bullets assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa praised his players for showing fighting spirit, urging supporters to respect the technical decisions made during matches.
On the other side, Civil head coach Abbas Makawa who had been sent off expressed disappointment, especially with Bullets’ third goal, insisting that the ball had not crossed the line and that the decision changed the complexion of the game.
Chikumbutso Salima was deservedly named Player of the Match, while Civil’s Batison walked away with the match ball after his brilliant hat-trick.
Bullets are sitting in 1st position with 53 points from 23 matches while Civil Service United are in 4th position with 37 points from the same number of games.
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