FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves were forced to settle for a point after playing out a goalless draw against Chiradzulu United in the SRFA FINCA Division One League at Nkhwayi Ground on Sunday.
Returning to action after a two-week break, Bullets Reserves adapted well to the bare and dusty playing surface at Nkhwayi Ground, controlling large spells of the contest and creating the clearer goalscoring opportunities. However, they were ultimately unable to find a breakthrough against a disciplined home side.
The hosts made a bright start and won an early corner inside three minutes, but Verson Mudu was alert to clear the danger.
Bullets responded three minutes later when Francis Malikebu combined well with Vincent Kampira before firing wide of the target. Jazilu Bannet also tried his luck from distance as the visitors settled into the contest.
Chiradzulu United threatened from a free-kick in the 14th minute before Bullets gradually took control of possession.
Kampira won a corner before linking up with Malikebu in another promising move that was eventually cleared by the home defence.
Bullets came close to breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Enos Hendeman connected Malikebu’s delivery with a header that drifted over the crossbar.
Moments later, Kondwani Tebulo’s free-kick picked out Kampira, whose effort earned another corner as the visitors continued to build momentum.
Despite enjoying the better of the first half, Bullets were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.
The visitors resumed the second half on the front foot.
Bannet’s corner caused early problems before Hendeman forced a save from the Chiradzulu United goalkeeper in the 51st minute.
Henry Kabichi made his first substitution four minutes later, introducing Brian Mwase for Hendeman as Bullets looked to add fresh impetus in attack.
At the other end, Ganizani Banda comfortably dealt with a free-kick before Mudu beat his marker and fired into the side netting.
Bullets came closest to taking the lead in the 63rd minute when Malikebu’s effort from a well-worked corner routine involving Kampira crashed against the crossbar.
Kampira threatened again from another corner before Limbani Manyamba headed over from a promising position.
Mudu and Mwase combined well in the closing stages, but Mudu’s effort sailed over the crossbar as Bullets continued to search for a late winner.
Kabichi introduced Precious Juma and later Movic Banda as Bullets continued to push for a late winner.
Despite spending much of the closing stages in the opposition half, Bullets were unable to find the decisive goal as Chiradzulu United held firm for a share of the spoils.
Bullets Reserves XI
Ganizani Banda, Mbende Mayuni, Feston Botoman (Precious Juma, 75’), Kondwani Tebulo, Vincent Kampira, Yankho Phiri, Francis Malikebu, Enos Hendeman (Brian Mwase, 55’), Verson Mudu (Movic Banda, 85’), Limbani Manyamba, Jazilu Bannet.
Unused Substitutes: Zaneel Jussab, Charles Kasalanga, Eustache M’baraki, Henzie Manganyera, Julius Banda, Kondwani Mhone.
Goals
Chiradzulu United: 0
Bullets Reserves: 0
Match Details
Result: Chiradzulu United 0-0 Bullets Reserves
Venue: Nkhwayi Ground
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division One League
