FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Thondwe FC at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon, despite dominating large spells and creating several promising opportunities.
The result moves the young Bullets to 41 points from 23 games, further tightening the race at the top of the Southern Region Football League table.
Bright Start but No Breakthrough
Bullets showed early intent as they pushed forward in search of the opener. In the 7th minute, they earned a corner through Misheck Billiat, but Thondwe’s defence did well to clear.
Five minutes later, the visitors nearly capitalised on a defensive lapse, only for their effort to flash over the bar.
Bullets kept pushing, with Prince Chalera delivering a dangerous cross in the 15th minute that Oscar Petro headed toward goal, but Thondwe cleared their lines.
The hosts won multiple corners through Vincent Kampira, sustaining pressure without reward.
At the other end, Thondwe forced Julius Banda into a key 37th-minute save as they threatened against the run of play.
Cedric Maxwell then tried his luck from distance, but his strike sailed over as the half ended goalless.
Second Half Opens Up
Bullets made an early change at the restart, introducing Hadji Steven for Maxwell to inject more creativity in attack.
Thondwe responded strongly, winning a corner in the 47th minute which Bullets defended well.
As the match opened up, Bullets struggled to maintain midfield control and were often second to loose balls.
A defensive error in the 68th minute nearly proved costly, but Julius Banda produced a brilliant stop to keep the match level.
Seeking more influence, Brian Mwase and Kondwani Tebulo came on for Billiat and Enos Henderman, before Movic Banda replaced Chalera as the hosts piled forward.
Their pressure almost paid off in the 73rd minute when Tebulo unleashed a powerful long-range attempt after a neat setup from Kampira, but the Thondwe goalkeeper was equal to it. Moments later, Oscar Petro headed over from a corner.
Late Chances Go Begging
The best opportunity arrived in the 84th minute. Hadji Steven won possession high up the pitch and delivered a perfect cross into the box, only for Mwase’s close-range attempt to be blocked at the last moment.
Bullets earned a late free kick in the 88th minute, taken by Tebulo, but without runners arriving in the box, the chance went begging.
Despite controlling possession and creating the game’s clearer chances, Bullets Reserves could not find the decisive touch, settling for a point against a well-organised Thondwe FC.
The result leaves Heston Munthali’s boys third in the standings, now two points behind Ekhaya Reserves — who also hold a game in hand — and seven points behind leaders Chilobwe United with seven matches remaining in the 2025 Southern Region Football League campaign.
