FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves moved to within two points of the SRFA FINCA Division One League summit after an impressive 2-1 victory over leaders Ekhaya Reserves at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.
Verson Mudu fired Henry Kabichi’s side ahead in the first half before Dominic Kayamba restored parity for the hosts three minutes before the interval.
Substitute Limbitso Chimanjamanja then struck the decisive goal in the 82nd minute as the young Bullets secured a sixth consecutive league victory and moved onto 25 points, just two behind Ekhaya.
Mudu fires Bullets ahead
The top-two contest started at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent from the opening exchanges.
Enos Hendeman was involved early for Bullets, while Kayamba threatened at the other end for Ekhaya. Vincent Kampira also went close from a free-kick as the visitors looked to impose themselves on the contest.
Bullets continued to create openings, with Jazil Bannet, Kampira and Hendeman all threatening as Kabichi’s youngsters pushed for the breakthrough.
Their pressure paid off in the 36th minute.
Feston Botoman started the move from the back before Hendeman released Mudu, who made no mistake with the finish to put Bullets 1-0 ahead.
The goal prompted a strong response from the league leaders.
Kayamba came close to restoring parity, but Ganizani Banda produced an important save to preserve the advantage.
Ekhaya eventually found their equaliser in the 42nd minute when Hastings Masinda delivered a corner into the area and Kayamba rose highest to head home, sending the sides into the interval level at 1-1.
Chimanjamanja delivers late winner
Kabichi made a double change at the start of the second half, introducing Chimanjamanja and Duncan Kumbuyo for Mudu and Matthews Nkunika as Bullets went in search of another goal.
The contest remained open after the restart, with chances arriving at both ends.
Chimanjamanja almost made an immediate impact when he connected with Kampira’s cross, but Ekhaya goalkeeper Ninu Khosomola was equal to the effort.
The hosts also continued to threaten, forcing Banda into action as the Bullets goalkeeper stood firm to keep the scores level.
With the contest entering its closing stages, Bullets found the breakthrough they had been searching for.
Captain Francis Malikebu created the opening in the 82nd minute before Chimanjamanja finished the move to restore the visitors’ lead and put Kabichi’s side within sight of all three points.
Ekhaya responded by committing more players forward in search of another equaliser, leaving spaces for Bullets to exploit at the other end.
Chimanjamanja thought he had scored his second of the afternoon in the 89th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Bullets threatened again in stoppage time when Eustache Baraki met Kampira’s free-kick with a header, but Khosomola made the save.
The hosts had one final opportunity from a corner in the fourth minute of added time, but the resulting effort went wide as Bullets held firm to complete an important 2-1 victory.
Kabichi pleased with response
Kabichi praised his players for their work rate and the character they showed after being pegged back before half-time.
“It was a good game, and we knew it was going to be a tough one. We encouraged the boys to do the right things and work hard, and they responded very well.
“We conceded from a corner, which we could have defended better, but I was pleased with the way the players reacted after that.”
The Reserves head coach also stressed the importance of continuing to develop his young squad as the season progresses.
“These are still young players, and we have time to work with them. As coaches, our responsibility is to keep supporting them, guiding them and helping them improve.
“I believe that if they continue working hard, they will give us a lot more going forward.”
Kabichi was also pleased with the significance of the three points as Bullets continue to close in on the leaders.
“We are very happy with the three points. They put us in a better position as we continue pushing towards the top of the league.”
He also called on supporters to continue backing the youngsters throughout their development.
“The supporters should continue giving the boys their support. They have a bright future, and we need to keep encouraging them.”
The victory takes Bullets Reserves onto 25 points from 12 matches, just two behind leaders Ekhaya and two clear of third-placed Liberty FC.
Kabichi’s side have won eight of their 12 league matches, scoring 31 goals and conceding 11, while their +20 goal difference is the best in the division.
With six consecutive victories behind them and only two points separating the top two, the young Bullets have strengthened their position in the title race.
Bullets Reserves XI
Ganizani Banda, Vincent Kampira, Precious Juma, Feston Botoman, Zaneel Jussab, Enos Hendeman (Alex White 72′), Matthews Nkunika (Duncan Kumbuyo 46′), Francis Malikebu, Charles Kasalanga (Eustache Baraki 72′), Verson Mudu (Limbitso Chimanjamanja 46′), Jazil Bannet.
Substitutes not used: Rashid Nicks, Felix Jalasi, Yankho Phiri, Kondwani Chaula, Henzie Manganyera.
Ekhaya Reserves XI
Ninu Khosomola, Francis Chimbayo (Chimwemwe Masha 60′), Rex Chikaya, Innocent Ngunga (Geoffrey Chinyama 85′), Blessings Mathyola, Rafael Iman (Peter Kasiya 46′), Dominic Kayamba, Maxwell Sakanamba, Hastings Masinda (Frank Tembo 73′), Dalisoul Yawanda (Kenneth Mwale 46′), Edson Chisalo.
Substitutes not used: Jacob Banda, Arthur Chindaya, Tamandani Damiano, Daniel Maulidi, Precious Manjawira, Davie Chinkhwango.
Match statistics
Goals
Ekhaya Reserves: Dominic Kayamba 42′
Bullets Reserves: Verson Mudu 36′, Limbitso Chimanjamanja 82′
Bookings
Ekhaya Reserves: Rex Chikaya
Bullets Reserves: Francis Malikebu
Match details
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division One League
Match: Ekhaya Reserves vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves
Venue: Mpira Stadium
Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
Result: Ekhaya Reserves 1-2 Bullets Reserves
