FCB Nyasa Big Bullets opened their pre-season campaign with a goalless draw against Red Lions in a friendly match played at Zomba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The fixture marked The People’s Team’s first outing of the 2026/27 build-up, with head coach Gilbert Chirwa and his technical panel using the match to assess the squad, build match fitness and continue sharpening tactical cohesion ahead of the new season.
There was a strong turnout at Zomba Stadium, as Bullets made their return to the venue for the first time in over a decade, with supporters turning out in numbers to witness the encounter.
The People’s Team made a bright start and created an early opportunity inside the opening five minutes when Peter Banda’s forward run won a corner, but the resulting delivery was not capitalised on.
Red Lions responded with two consecutive set pieces of their own, but Bullets remained solid at the back to deal with the early pressure.
Bullets enjoyed spells of possession in the opening exchanges, while the hosts looked to threaten from dead-ball situations, with neither side able to find the breakthrough.
Chirwa’s men continued to press and won a third corner in the 21st minute, but Henry Chiwaya’s delivery was well dealt with by the Red Lions defence.
Shortly after, the hosts had a promising opportunity from a free kick in a dangerous area, but Andrew Biyo fired his effort wide.
The set-piece battle continued, with Red Lions earning another corner in the 28th minute, but Frank Willard made a key clearance to keep the scores level.
At the other end, Bullets were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area after Maxwell Phodo was brought down, but Peter Banda’s effort went wide.
Banda came close again in the 36th minute, this time forcing a save from goalkeeper Precious Mitolo following another opportunity from a dead-ball situation.
As the half drew to a close, Bullets continued to threaten from wide areas, but Red Lions remained disciplined at the back, while Emmanuel Kaunga and Henry Chiwaya combined well to stop a late counterattack from the hosts.
The two sides went into the break goalless after a competitive first half, with Bullets creating the better of the chances.
Five changes were made at the start of the second half, with Yamikani Mologeni, Misheck Billiat, Mike Mkwate, Chawanangwa Gumbo and Dastan Banda introduced as the technical team rotated the squad.
The second half resumed at a measured tempo, with both sides probing for an opening but struggling to create clear-cut chances in the early stages.
Red Lions won a corner in the 52nd minute, but the delivery failed to trouble the Bullets defence.
As the game approached the hour mark, the tempo dropped, with both sides finding it difficult to create meaningful attacking opportunities.
Bullets were awarded a corner in the 60th minute, but play was halted before it could be taken, with Emmanuel Kaunga penalised for a foul and shown a yellow card.
Further changes followed in the 67th minute, with Madalitso Safuli, George Chaomba and Prince Chiumia introduced to add fresh energy.
Safuli nearly made an instant impact, striking the side netting from a free kick in the 68th minute.
Moments later, goalkeeper Pilirani Mapira produced a brilliant save to deny Red Lions from close range and keep the scores level.
Bullets thought they had found the breakthrough in the 70th minute when Dastan Banda turned home from close range after Mitolo spilled Mike Mkwate’s header.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
The People’s Team continued to push in the closing stages, but Red Lions remained well organised, dealing effectively with every attacking threat.
A short corner routine involving Safuli and Mkwate in the 78th minute was also dealt with, as the hosts maintained their defensive discipline.
In the final moments, Mapira produced another outstanding save to deny Red Lions from close range following a well-delivered corner.
Bullets defended the resulting set piece before the referee brought the match to an end.
The match finished goalless, with The People’s Team taking positives from a competitive outing as preparations for the 2026/27 season continue.
