FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw by Chilomoni FC in a thrilling ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League encounter played on Saturday afternoon at Chilomoni Stadium.
Despite taking a first-half lead through an own goal, the hosts fought back in the second half to salvage a point in a fast-paced and hard-fought contest.
First-Half Action
The match got off to an energetic start, with both teams threatening early from set pieces but failing to find the net. Chilomoni settled into rhythm midway through the half and dominated possession, forcing Bullets goalkeeper Ganizani Banda into several fine saves to keep the scores level.
The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute. After a quick combination between Oscar Petro and Enos Hendeman, Bullets earned a corner. Vincent Kampira’s delivery caused confusion in the box, and under pressure, Chilomoni goalkeeper Chimwemwe Banda turned the ball into his own net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
The hosts nearly got an equaliser moments later, but Mussah Bwanali had to clear off the line after a rare scare at the back. The first half ended with Bullets Reserves holding a narrow lead.
Second-Half Action
The second half resumed at the same high tempo, with both sides pushing forward. Bullets made an early double substitution in the 58th minute, introducing Misheck Billiat and Matthews Nkunika for Daniel White and Hendeman to boost their attacking options.
Bullets came close to extending their lead in the 65th minute when Billiat fired narrowly wide after a neat setup from Kampira. However, Chilomoni responded strongly and found the equalizer in the 70th minute. A well-delivered set piece found Samuel Khedira, who powered a header past Banda to level the score.
Looking for a winner, Bullets brought on Movic Banda and Kondwani Tebulo in the 75th minute for MaClay Chiwaya and Prince Juma. Despite a series of late chances—including a dangerous free kick by Billiat that was deflected—the Young Maule couldn’t reclaim the lead.
Chilomoni nearly snatched victory in the dying moments, but their final effort drifted wide, and the match ended all square at 1-1.
What It Means
The result sees FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves move to 27 points, maintaining top spot in the league and holding a three-point cushion over second-placed Ekhaya Reserves.
