The spoils were shared as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves drew 0-0 away to Red Lions in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League on Thursday afternoon at Balaka Stadium.
Both teams created several chances, but neither could convert, leaving the match without a winner and both sides settling for a point.
What happened
Meeting at Balaka Stadium for the second time in two years, the two sides made a wary start as they looked reserved to commit in attack.
The tie unfolded with that cagey flow though Bullets looked to be a more ambitious team as they kept trying relentlessly to unlock the resilient military outfit.
Pulsating at times, the tie would go for the halftime break with a little goal-mouth action and blank on the scoresheet.
Eager for a win that would see them jump into the second position, coach Enos Chatama made a double half-time change as Gift Lamowa and Oscar Petro paved the way to Madalitso Safuli and Macray Chiwaya.
A minute after the restart we fashioned our best chance when Francis Malikebu unlocked the opponents’ backline with a clever through ball, but Prince Chalera fired straight at the goalkeeper Jacob Kaunda, who parried it behind the goal for a corner.
On the other end, the hosts came knocking at our door, dashing dangerous balls into our box, but the Happy Mphepo-led backline had no problem keeping away the danger.
Five minutes after the hour mark, Red Lions nearly took the lead when veteran striker Royal Bokosi, who started on the bench, managed to beat our backline, only to be denied by the keeper, Ganizani Banda, who was outstanding on his first start this season.
Having dominated for the most part of the tie, the young Maule were made to suffer in the last ten minutes as the hosts looked to snatch a late winner.
All the same, the tie would end without a single goal as the two sides shared the spoils.
What it means
The midweek result keeps us in position three, tied on 16 points with the second-placed Red Lions, who have played a game more than us.
It’s now three points that separate our boys from the league leaders Ekhaya United, who, on 19 points, have also played a game more.
Chatama post Red Lions
“The boys played well, maybe except the last ten minutes of the game. They created numerous chances but the only problem was putting the ball into the back of the net. Now we have to focus on Sunday’s game which will be tight down to the wire. We believe if we can correct two, three mistakes we can win on Sunday.”
Looking ahead
Our youngsters will be back in action in three days when they face the sixth-placed Nyambadwe United in the league on Sunday afternoon at the Kamuzu Stadium.
