FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves suffered their first defeat of the 2026 SRFA FINCA Division League 1 campaign after a 2-0 loss to FC Thondwe at Mpira Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Samson Austin and Mayamiko Jimmy in either half secured all three points for the hosts and brought an end to the reserves’ winning start to the season.
FC Thondwe began brightly and looked threatening in the opening stages, but Bullets gradually settled into the contest and carved out the first meaningful chance of the afternoon when Movic Banda’s effort from Jazil Bannet’s cross was saved by goalkeeper Collins Chimudiza in the 10th minute.
The visitors continued to enjoy promising spells in possession, with Bannet testing the goalkeeper from distance after being picked out by Precious Juma, while Ganizani Banda was called into action at the other end to preserve parity.
As the first half progressed, Bullets saw more of the ball and looked to probe for an opening, but FC Thondwe remained organised defensively.
The breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute when Sibusiso Makhuli delivered a cross from the right and Austin rose highest to head home, handing the hosts a 1-0 advantage at the interval.
Kabichi responded at the break with a double substitution, introducing Limbitso Chimanjamanja and Charles Kasalanga for Movic Banda and Enos Hendeman as Bullets searched for a way back into the match.
The halftime changes nearly produced an immediate response. Francis Malikebu’s free kick was deflected behind for a corner before Kondwani Mhone saw an effort cleared from the resulting set piece.
Chimanjamanja then headed over from Daniel White’s cross, while Malikebu forced another save from Chimudiza as Bullets enjoyed a positive spell after the restart.
Just as Bullets looked to be building momentum, FC Thondwe doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute. After defending a Bullets corner, the hosts launched a swift counterattack and Jimmy finished clinically to make it 2-0.
Kabichi turned to his bench once more, introducing Zaneel Jussab, Yankho Phiri and later Limbani Manyamba as Bullets continued searching for a route back into the contest.
However, FC Thondwe remained resolute at the back and nearly added a third goal when Banda produced an excellent save to deny Austin in the 75th minute.
The visitors continued to press until the final whistle and won several late corner kicks, but the hosts stood firm to secure maximum points.
The result leaves Bullets Reserves with three points from their opening two fixtures of the 2026 campaign.
Kabichi’s side will now look to respond when they return to action in their next league assignment.
FC Thondwe XI
Collins Chimudiza (GK), Lazarus Witness, Mike Nyangu, Sibusiso Makhuli, Charles Mtenga, Rahim Mtembo, Samson Austin, Mayamiko Jimmy, Yusuf Chambakata, Chifuniro Lemusi, Stewart Kalima.
Substitutes Used: Emmanuel Lifa (63), Yamikani Mtalimanja (63), Charles Chipala (80), Solomon Sayenda (80), Silaj Wilson (80).
Unused Substitutes: Aubrey Halimatu, James M’bwana, Silvester Kalulu, Wyson Chabwera.
Bullets Reserves XI
43 Ganizani Banda (GK), 62 Mtende Mayuni, 56 Precious Juma, 52 Kondwani Tebulo (C), 63 Daniel White, 51 Enos Hendeman (Charles Kasalanga 46), 48 Matthews Nkunika (Zaneel Jussab 75), 47 Francis Malikebu (Yankho Phiri 75), 49 Movic Banda (Limbitso Chimanjamanja 46), 45 Jazil Bannet, 50 Kondwani Mhone (Limbani Manyamba 85).
Substitutes Used: 68 Charles Kasalanga, 58 Limbitso Chimanjamanja, 46 Zaneel Jussab, 59 Yankho Phiri, 44 Limbani Manyamba.
Unused Substitutes: 53 Brian Mwase, 42 Rashid Nicks, 60 Feston Botoman, 66 Verson Mudu.
Goals
FC Thondwe: Samson Austin 43′, Mayamiko Jimmy 63′.
Bookings
FC Thondwe: Mike Nyangu 52′.
Bullets Reserves: Precious Juma 15′.
Match Details
Date: 31 May 2026
Result: FC Thondwe 2-0 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves
Goals: Samson Austin 43′, Mayamiko Jimmy 63′
Venue: Mpira Stadium
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division League 1
