Mwanza Stars 2-3 Bullets Reserves
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Mwanza Stars at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium on Sunday, making a winning start to their 2026/27 Southern Region FINCA Division League 1 campaign.
The young Maule side produced an impressive attacking display in the opening fixture of the new season, overturning an early deficit before holding firm late in the second half to secure maximum points on the road.
Kondwani Mhone delivered a standout display, scoring a stunning equaliser and influencing several key attacking moments to earn the Man of the Match award.
Early Setback Sparks Bullets Response
Playing at a venue currently being used by the senior team following the temporary closure of Kamuzu Stadium, Maule started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock inside three minutes when Mhone’s effort was deflected behind for a corner.
Movic Banda and Enos Hendeman also threatened during an encouraging opening spell as Maule’s aggressive pressing and dangerous set-piece deliveries unsettled the hosts early on.
Despite Bullets’ positive start, Mwanza Stars opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Medson Dozola reacted quickest inside the area after Chisomo Damalankhunda’s free-kick caused problems in the box.
The visitors responded positively and nearly levelled matters moments later through Kondwani Tebulo’s free-kick before Mhone restored parity in spectacular fashion in the 20th minute with a superb long-range finish after receiving a pass from Banda.
Mhone’s strike shifted momentum firmly in Maule’s favour as the visitors began dictating the tempo of the contest.
Five minutes later, Maule completed the turnaround when Damalankhunda turned Vincent Kampira’s dangerous cross into his own net to hand Bullets a 2-1 advantage.
Maule thought they had extended their lead before the half-hour mark after Hendeman found the back of the net from a set-piece delivery, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Malikebu Caps Dominant First Half
Banda’s aggressive pressing eventually produced Bullets’ third goal in the 38th minute after he won possession high up the pitch from Mwanza goalkeeper Tawina Phiri before Francis Malikebu calmly applied the finish.
The visitors remained dangerous from dead-ball situations before the break, with Hendeman again threatening from another Mhone delivery as Maule carried a deserved 3-1 advantage into halftime.
Ten-Man Maule See Out Victory
Bullets resumed the second half with the same attacking intent, with Mhone continuing to cause problems from set-piece situations while the visitors remained organised defensively.
Mwanza Stars gradually pushed forward in search of a route back into the contest and reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute after Damalankhunda converted from the penalty spot following a free-kick incident inside the area.
Kabichi introduced fresh legs midway through the second half, bringing on Brian Mwase, Limbani Manyaba and Limbitso Chimanjamanja as Maule looked to protect their advantage.
Maule were forced to navigate a tense finish after Kampira received a second yellow card in the 83rd minute, reducing the visitors to 10 men for the remainder of the encounter.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Maule still threatened on the counterattack and nearly added a fourth goal late on when Manyaba’s powerful strike rattled the crossbar after good work from Chimanjamanja.
After surviving late pressure from the hosts, the final whistle confirmed a deserved opening-day victory for Bullets Reserves as they made a positive start to the new regional campaign.
The victory ensured Maule opened the new campaign with maximum points, with Mhone’s influential display setting the tone for an encouraging start to the regional campaign.
Mwanza Stars XI
Tawina Phiri, Justin Taulosi (C), Heroes Kaukonde, Chikumbutso Makoloni, Chikondi Jere (Frank London 33’), Kondwani Twadya (Clifford Fukizi 46’), Chisomo Damalankhunda, Jimmy Banda (Mike Mkunguzu 46’), Medson Dozola, Feston Makanjira, Gerson Justin.
Unused substitutes: Emmanuel, Nation, Chisomo, Kondwani, Mike, Muhamad, Fred, Mike.
Bullets Reserves XI
Ganizani Banda, Vincent Kampira, Precious Juma, Mtende Mayuni, Kondwani Tebulo, Matthews Nkunika, Enos Hendeman, Francis Malikebu (Brian Mwase 75’), Kondwani Mhone (Feston Botoman 83’), Jazil Bannet (Limbitso Chimanjamanja 75’), Movic Banda (Limbani Manyaba 75’).
Unused substitutes: Rashid Nicks, Yankho Phiri, Zaneel Jussab, Charles Kasalanga, Duncan Kumbuyo, Alex White, Verson Mudu, Eustache M’baraki.
Goals
Mwanza Stars: Medson Dozola 15’, Chisomo Damalankhunda 72’ (Pen)
Bullets Reserves: Kondwani Mhone 20’, Chisomo Damalankhunda 25’ (Own Goal), Francis Malikebu 38’
Bookings
Vincent Kampira (Red Card), Francis Malikebu
Match Details
Fixture: Mwanza Stars vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division League 1
Venue: Joyce Chitsulo Stadium
Result: Mwanza Stars 2-3 Bullets Reserves
