FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves returned to winning ways with a commanding 3-0 victory over Zingwangwa United on Saturday, ending a run of four consecutive draws in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League.
Second-half substitutes Kondwani Tebulo and Movic Banda stole the show, scoring all three goals to secure a vital win for Heston Munthali’s side, who had last tasted victory on November 3.
First Half: Balanced and Goalless
The game started at a brisk pace, with Zingwangwa pressing early and coming close in the 6th minute. Julius Banda kept the young Maule level with a smart save before the assistant referee flagged for offside.
Bullets responded in the 10th minute when Kondwani Mhone combined with Misheck Billiat, whose shot was pushed away by the Zingwangwa goalkeeper. Zingwangwa continued to press but Banda and the Bullets defence, marshalled by Mtende Mayuni, held firm.
Enos Henderman cleared a corner in the 30th minute and quickly launched a counterattack, setting up Billiat to cross to Kondwani Chaula, whose attempt was collected by the goalkeeper.
The half ended 0-0, with both sides creating chances but failing to break the deadlock.
Second Half: Substitutions Spark Bullets to Life
Hadji Steven replaced Billiat at the restart, but the game truly shifted in the 57th minute when Munthali introduced Kondwani Tebulo, Brian Mwase, and Movic Banda. The changes completely altered the tempo.
Minutes after coming on, Tebulo fired home following a Mhone-assisted move, giving Bullets a 1-0 lead in the 61st minute. Banda then doubled the advantage with a precise finish from another Mhone setup five minutes later.
Zingwangwa struggled to respond, and after a dangerous tackle on Mhone, Tebulo converted a rebound from a saved free kick to make it 3-0 in the 80th minute, sealing a comfortable win.
Mhone orchestrated much of the attacking play, setting up both Tebulo and Banda, while Coach Munthali later brought on Zaneel Jussab for Mhone as Bullets maintained control to the final whistle.
What It Means
The win moves Bullets Reserves to 46 points, climbing to third place in the league. They are level on points with Ekhaya Reserves but sit above them on goal difference. The result provides momentum as the team pushes for a strong finish to the season.
Coach’s Reaction
Munthali praised his side’s determination and second-half display: “It was a tough game against Zingwangwa United, who had just beaten Ekhaya Reserves, while we were coming off a 1-1 draw with Ntopwa. The boys showed determination and courage to secure the win.
In the first half, we created chances but didn’t convert. After the second-half changes, we dominated and scored three goals. We will keep encouraging the boys to stay focused and not get carried away with this win as we approach the remaining games.”
Bullets Reserves bounced back from a run of draws with a commanding 3-0 victory over Zingwangwa United, thanks to second-half goals from Kondwani Tebulo and Movic Banda.
