FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves continued their impressive run in the Southern Region Football League, securing a fourth consecutive win with a 2-0 victory over Ntaja United on Sunday afternoon at Mpira Stadium.
Wongani Kaponya, our top goal scorer this season, won the first half with a spectacular volley. Hadji Steven, who came off the bench in the final half, secured the win for us.
What happened
A confident start to the game paid off for our youngsters who colourfully took the lead just after seven minutes.
Kaponya, who leads the scorers’ chat for our young Maule this season, was found on the edge of the area by a high ball from Prince Chalera, and the pacey striker struck first time a beautiful volley past the opposition goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Stunned by the early goal, the hosts then lost their setup Bullets, catalyzed by the dancing Francis Malikebu in the midfield, were all over them.
While the Group A winners were restricted in their half, chances fell abundantly for us but we proved to be criminally wasteful in front of goal.
Chalera, Kaponya, and Malikebu could have easily extended our lead but the halftime whistle arrived with the scoreline reading only 0-1.
Made to regret our missed chances, the second half offered a different narrative as Ntaja jacked up to exert a considerable amount of pressure on us for some spell.
With things not looking safe at one-nil, Bullets changed Gift Lamowa for Steven and instantly reclaimed control of the tie.
Four minutes past the hour mark we were two up and in an eye-catching manner, thanks to our fresh sub. Malikebu released Kaponya down the right-hand side and the scorer of our first goal took on his marker before telegraphing a low cross to Steven, who was always there to tap in at the far post. The hosts were completely beaten.
Just like the opening half, lots of chances followed after we scored, but again, we never looked hungry for more and the tie finished 0-2.
What it means
Having now won four in a row, our youngsters move to 15 points after eight matches of the final stage of the 2024 SRFL campaign.
Still in third place in the standings, our points now match those of second-placed Red Lions, who were defeated 1-0 by Ekhaya United on the same afternoon at Balaka Stadium. However, the Lions of Zomba remain ahead due to a superior goal difference.
Henry Kabichi post Ntaja United
“It was a good game. We scored early but struggled to settle. With time we picked up but frustratingly went on to miss more than ten chances. Came the second half we scored after the hour mark, but failed to take further chances. All in all, this is a good win.”
What next
Our youngsters will travel to Balaka Stadium on Monday, seeking revenge against the Red Lions, who won 2-1 in the first leg at Kamuzu Stadium.
