FCB Nyasa Big Bullets continued preparations for the new season with a goalless draw against Kamuzu Barracks in their third pre-season friendly played at Champion Stadium in Mponela on Saturday afternoon.
The People’s Team were unable to find a breakthrough despite a dominant second-half display, as both sides settled for a 0-0 result in a closely contested encounter.
Head coach Gilbert Chirwa was in charge in Mponela this afternoon after rejoining the team following the completion of his CAF A coaching workshop organised by the Football Association of Malawi in Blantyre.
The match got underway with Kamuzu Barracks creating the first threat from a set-piece in the sixth minute, but Chimwemwe Chisambi’s delivery failed to trouble the defence.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead moments later when Chisambi found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Bullets responded in the 12th minute with their first corner of the match, but Peter Banda’s delivery was well dealt with, before Paul Master fired wide from the resulting loose ball.
The People’s Team continued to push forward, with Peter Banda and Mike Mkwate combining to release Hassan Kajoke, but the forward’s effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Etiken Sibande.
Kamuzu Barracks remained a threat on the counter, with John Mchema testing Innocent Nyasulu from distance, but the goalkeeper produced a strong save.
Bullets created another opportunity from a free kick in the 23rd minute after Banda was fouled, but his delivery was straight at Etiken.
At the other end, Kamuzu Barracks won a corner shortly after, but Nyasulu was again on hand to make an important save before Bullets cleared the danger.
The game remained tightly contested, with few clear-cut chances as the midfield battle, particularly between Sam Gunda and Yankho Singo, intensified.
Kamuzu Barracks thought they had taken the lead in the 43rd minute when Chisambi found the net, but the effort was ruled out for handball, with the forward also shown a yellow card.
The sides went into the break goalless after a competitive first half.
Bullets made changes at the restart to inject more attacking impetus, introducing Ephraim Kondowe, Misheck Billiat and Prince Chiumia.
Chirwa’s men began the second half on the front foot and nearly took the lead when Billiat was picked out unmarked in the box, but Etiken produced a fine save to deny the winger.
Maule grew into the half with increased intensity, dominating possession and creating chances, with Billiat proving a constant threat with his pace and movement.
Further changes saw Maxwell Phodo and Wongani Lungu introduced as Bullets pushed for a breakthrough, and Phodo almost made an immediate impact when he set up Kondowe, whose header narrowly missed the target.
Mologeni also delivered a dangerous free kick into the box, but Kamuzu Barracks defended well to keep the scores level.
As the game entered the final stages, Maule continued to apply pressure, with Billiat leading another attack and setting up Lungu, who was unable to convert from close range before the winger fired over on the rebound.
Kamuzu Barracks also had a late chance to snatch the win, but their effort from close range was fired over the crossbar.
The hosts won a late corner and made further changes, but Bullets held firm defensively to see out the match.
Despite sustained second-half pressure, Bullets were unable to find a breakthrough as the match ended goalless in Mponela.
The result follows Thursday’s 2-0 win over Goshen City Dedza Dynamos, which came after a goalless draw against Red Lions in Zomba four days earlier.
The People’s Team will host Ntchisi Select on Sunday to wrap up the Mponela tour before returning to Blantyre to continue preparations for the start of the 2026/27 season.
Bullets will open the campaign with the NBS Bank Charity Shield against rivals Mighty Wanderers in the Blantyre derby next Saturday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Result: Kamuzu Barracks 0-0 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: Pre-Season Friendly
Venue: Champion Stadium, Mponela
