FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves closed the first round of the 2025 ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League with a 0-0 draw against Liberty FC at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the young Maule were denied by a resolute Liberty defence, leaving them to settle for third place in the standings with 28 points from 15 matches.
First-Half Action
The match began cautiously, with both sides feeling their way into the contest. Liberty FC threatened first in the 4th minute, winning an early corner, but the Bullets defence stood firm to clear the danger.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead in the 10th minute when Hadji Steven tucked home a Misheck Billiat cross, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Bullets grew into the game and began dictating the tempo, with Steven and Billiat combining well in attack. The chances started to come, and in the 20th minute, Matthews Nkunika came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when his powerful strike rattled the near post.
Chimango Kayira’s side responded in the 28th minute, but they fired over the bar. Bullets remained on the front foot as Billiat forced a save in the 34th minute after being teed up by Steven.
In the closing stages of the half, Heston Munthali’s men created two clear opportunities. Movic Banda dragged his effort wide from a Kampira cross, before Billiat blazed over from close range following a delivery by Kondwani Tebulo. Despite the pressure, the first half ended goalless.
Second-Half Action
Bullets resumed with the same attacking intent after the break. Early on, Banda rose highest to meet a Billiat cross, but his header went narrowly wide.
In the 55th minute, Maule turned defence into attack when captain Oscar Petro released Steven on the break. The forward found Billiat, who unfortunately dragged his shot wide.
Munthali made his first change soon after, bringing on Enos Henderman for Kondwani Mhone to add fresh legs in midfield. Liberty threatened briefly with a free kick just past the hour mark, but the attempt sailed harmlessly wide.
The young People’s Team responded by mounting pressure of their own, winning three successive corners in the 74th minute, though the visitors’ defence remained resolute.
Substitutions followed, with Prince Chalera and Maclay Chiwaya coming on for Steven and the injured Henderman. Chiwaya combined well with Billiat before sending a strike on target, but Kampira was caught offside in the build-up.
As the clock ticked down, Bullets pushed harder. Chalera’s header from a Billiat cross forced yet another corner, but Liberty stood firm. Despite relentless dominance and a flurry of opportunities, the match ended goalless.
What It Means
The draw means Bullets Reserves close the first round of the 2025 SRFA ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League in third place, with 28 points from 15 matches.
It leaves them three points behind leaders Ekhaya Reserves and two adrift of city rivals Mighty Wanderers Reserves, who have already completed their round of fixtures.
