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Ekhaya FC’s brave showing was ultimately undone by a first-half double as they fell to a 2–0 defeat against title-chasing FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a TNM Super League encounter at Mpira Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
All the damage was done before the break, with Maxwell Phodo and Ephraim Kondowe finding the net for Malawi’s most successful side, as The Cowboys were left to reflect on another performance that promised more than the final scoreline suggested.
What Happened
Much like in previous outings against the league’s top three, Ekhaya FC absorbed early pressure before gradually growing into the contest.
The hosts dominated the opening exchanges, but perfectly timed blocks and a compact defensive organisation from Ekhaya kept Bullets at bay for the first quarter of an hour.
Having weathered the early storm, The Cowboys began to find their rhythm and started asking questions of the men in red.
Winger Wongani Kaponya won several footraces down the flank and delivered some inviting balls into the box, but no one was able to arrive in time to apply the finishing touch.
On the opposite side, Alick Lungu combined neatly with Leviel Mnyenyembe, knitting together some sharp exchanges that allowed Ekhaya to penetrate and force Bullets onto the back foot.
Just as it seemed Ekhaya might draw level, the hosts struck again at the stroke of half-time.
Ephraim Kondowe pounced with a poacher’s finish at the near post, capitalising on a brief lapse in communication at the back to double Bullets’ advantage.
The restart brought an early setback for Ekhaya, as Lungu was forced off after picking up a knock and was replaced by Godswill Kanyinka.
Bullets pushed forward in search of a third goal and came close on several occasions, but Ekhaya remained disciplined, closing down spaces quickly and denying the hosts clear shooting opportunities.
Both sides introduced double changes as the match wore on, and Ekhaya enjoyed a decent spell of their own, moving the ball with purpose.
However, despite creating half-chances, the telling touch in front of goal proved elusive. The second half ended goalless, confirming a 2–0 victory for Bullets.
What It Means
The result condemns The Cowboys to a fourth straight defeat. After 28 games, Ekhaya FC sit seventh on the standings and now have just two matches remaining to bring the curtain down on their debut TNM Super League season.
What the Coach Said
Head Coach Enos Chata remained philosophical after the match:
“We are learning; it is a process. With one or two additions we will build a strong team for the 2026 season. We will have to improve from the past season.”
What’s Next
There is little time to dwell on the setback. Ekhaya FC immediately hit the road to Mponela, where they face Creck Sporting as they look to change their fortunes and finish the campaign on a positive note.
