FIXTURE DETAILS
After a one-week break from FDH Premiership League action due to the Airtel Top 8 semis, Chitipa United return to action this weekend with what is regarded as one of the “major” assignments in the league which is against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
The two sides come into the fixture with contrasting recent fortunes. While Chitipa United are unbeaten in their last four matches, Bullets will be looking to respond after suffering defeat in their most recent outing.
TEAM FORM
Chitipa United FC head into Matchweek 12 on an impressive run of form, having gone four games unbeaten, winning three and drawing one.
Their most recent away fixture saw them secure their first away victory of the season, defeating Dedza Dynamos 2-1 at Dedza Stadium.
Basongo currently sit 8th on the FDH Premiership League table with 16 points, having recorded five wins, one draw and five defeats, with nine goals scored and 13 conceded.
Meanwhile, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets sit 4th with 20 points and a goal difference of 5. They have won five, drawn five and lost once.
Bullets are coming into Matchweek 12 looking to bounce back after a 1-0 defeat to Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Dedza Stadium. Before that, they played out a 0-0 draw against Ekhaya FC at Mpira Stadium.
Their last victory came against Creck Sporting, where Ephraim Kondowe scored twice.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chitipa United FC
Friday Osagie arrives at the fixture in red-hot form. The forward has scored three goals in his last three matches, including a brace in Chitipa United's 2-1 victory over Goshen City Dedza Dynamos.
His current form will be one of Chitipa's biggest attacking weapons against the Bullets defense.
Chancy Kaonga is another player to watch. Returning from injury, Kaonga made an immediate impact by scoring the only goal against Ekhaya FC in Chitipa United's previous home fixture.
His return adds another dimension to Chitipa's attack.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Ephraim Kondowe will be one of the major threats Chitipa United will have to keep an eye on.
The forward scored twice in Bullets' last victory against Creck Sporting and currently has five league goals, putting him among the leading scorers alongside Lameck Mithi of Mighty Wanderers.
George Chaomba is another attacking player Chitipa United will need to monitor closely. His movement and ability to create problems in the final third could prove important for Bullets as they look to return to winning ways.
HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
Chitipa United and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have met six times since 2023.
While Bullets have historically enjoyed the upper hand, Chitipa United have recorded one memorable victory over the giants. That win came in 2023, when Chitipa United defeated Bullets 1-0 at Karonga Stadium, just one week after securing another famous victory over Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium.
That result remains a reminder that Chitipa United can rise to the occasion against one of the country's biggest sides.
MATCH OUTLOOK
Chitipa's recent form, combined with the attacking threat of Friday Osagie and the return of Chancy Kaonga, provides reasons for optimism. However, Bullets will be equally motivated to return to winning ways following their defeat to Dedza Dynamos.
With just four points separating the two sides on the table, the encounter promises to be a competitive battle between two teams looking to strengthen their positions as the season progresses.