FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves delivered a dominant first-half display to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Tigers Reserve in their midweek ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League fixture on Thursday afternoon at Mpira Stadium.
The win lifts Heston Munthali’s men to third position on 49 points as the season enters its decisive phase, with the young Maule pushing to finish strongly in the final stretch.
Fast Start from the Visitors
Bullets showed intent as early as the 3rd minute when they won a free kick. Kondwani Mhone stepped up and forced the Tigers goalkeeper into a save that resulted in a corner, which Kondwani Tebulo delivered dangerously.
Just two minutes later, Bullets broke the deadlock. After a promising build-up, Vincent Kampira’s effort was parried by the goalkeeper, and Oscar Petro reacted quickest to fire home the rebound for a deserved 1-0 lead.
In the 7th minute, the advantage doubled. Enos Henderman pounced on a defensive lapse by Tigers and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
The early pressure did not relent. In the 11th minute, a beautiful sequence involving Mhone and Zaneel Jussab released Kondwani Chaula, who set up Precious Juma to extend the lead to 3-0.
Despite the cushion, Bullets continued to dominate. Kampira thought he had added his name to the scoresheet in the 18th minute, but the assistant referee ruled the effort out for offside.
Moments later, Tebulo delivered another threatening corner, though Tigers managed to clear. In the 26th minute, Tebulo again found the back of the net—only for the flag to go up for a second offside call of the half.
Bullets stayed camped in Tigers’ half, with Jussab, Henderman and Kampira combining fluidly. In the 35th minute, their interplay created another chance, but the Tigers goalkeeper denied Kampira with a sharp save.
A well-worked short corner in the 40th minute saw Mhone find Juma, but Mussah Bwanali was caught offside before he could apply the finishing touch.
The half ended with Bullets in complete control, taking a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.
Controlled Second Half Display
After overwhelming Tigers before the interval, Bullets resumed in similar fashion, still chasing more goals.
Tebulo forced a defensive block from a 53rd-minute free kick before Munthali made triple changes: Hadji Steven, Movic Banda and Matthews Nkunika replaced Mhone, Petro and Chaula.
Steven nearly made an instant impact when he connected with a Tebulo corner, but the Tigers goalkeeper produced a fine save.
The chances kept coming. Tebulo’s 61st-minute attempt was tipped away after an intelligent setup by Jussab. Tigers later pushed to find a consolation, but Ganizani Banda stood firm with a crucial save to keep the clean sheet intact.
In the 71st minute, Jussab made way for Brian Mwase as Bullets regained full control. Tebulo and Kampira linked well from a quick corner in the 78th minute, but the resulting effort was cleared.
With ten minutes to play, Sidreck Maxwell replaced Kampira, injecting fresh energy in attack. The substitute twice came close—first in the 85th minute after a clever pick-out by Banda, and again in the 90th minute when his low shot was forced out for a corner before another effort drifted just wide.
Despite their late pressure, Bullets were unable to extend the scoreline, but their first-half dominance had already secured the points.
What It Means
The victory pushes Bullets Reserves up to third place with 49 points, strengthening their position in the top half of the ThumbsUp SRFL standings. With the season entering its final phase, the result gives Heston Munthali’s side renewed momentum as they continue to chase a strong finish.
The clean sheet, early goals and overall control also underline the team’s growing confidence and cohesion—key factors as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
What’s Next
Following the impressive win, Bullets Reserves now turn attention to their next assignment as they host Immigration FC next week Thursday at Kamuzu Stadium. The young Maule will be aiming to consolidate their top-three position as the SRFL campaign nears its conclusion.
Coach’s Reaction
“It was a tough game as we were playing away, but the boys followed our plan and we got early goals that helped us control the match. We missed a lot of chances in both halves—we could have scored more—but congratulations to the boys for the goals and for defending well.”
“This win will boost the morale in the team as we prepare for the game on Thursday and as we approach the end of the season. We will return to training and work on the mistakes we made today.”
