FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves produced a spirited second-half comeback but were beaten 2-1 by Immigration FC in the SRFA FINCA Division One League at Chilomoni Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals from Prino Dickson and Hajapi Patch handed the hosts a two-goal advantage before the interval, while Mathews Nkunika pulled one back late on to set up a frantic finish.
The young Bullets dominated much of the second half, creating a succession of chances and forcing Immigration onto the back foot, but were unable to find the equaliser despite sustained late pressure.
The defeat means Bullets Reserves remain in search of a return to winning ways despite another encouraging performance.
Immigration punish slow start
The hosts made the brighter start and needed only four minutes to break the deadlock when Prino Dickson finished off an early attacking move to give Immigration the lead.
Bullets suffered an early setback in the 19th minute after Zaneel Jussab picked up an injury and was forced off, with Jazilu Bannet introduced in his place. Bannet nearly made an immediate impact, sending an effort narrowly wide moments after entering the contest.
After weathering the early pressure, Bullets gradually settled into the match and began creating opportunities of their own.
Vincent Kampira failed to capitalise on a defensive mistake before Movic Banda headed wide from a cleverly worked short corner. Immigration continued to threaten from set-pieces, however, with Julius Banda producing important saves to keep the deficit at one goal.
Julius Banda later denied Tony Mbulu in a one-on-one situation before gathering confidently from several dangerous deliveries into the box.
Just when it appeared Bullets would trail by a single goal at the break, Immigration struck again in first-half stoppage time. After forcing consecutive corners, Patch rose at the near post to head home from the second delivery and double the hosts’ advantage.
Bullets rally falls short
Head coach Henry Kabichi responded with a double substitution at the break, introducing Mathews Nkunika and Limbitso Chimanjamanja, and the changes transformed Bullets’ attacking approach.
The visitors immediately took control after the restart, pinning Immigration inside their own half and winning several corners.
Kampira forced a smart save from a free-kick just outside the penalty area before Bullets continued to probe against an Immigration side defending deep with numbers behind the ball.
Chimanjamanja headed wide from another Kondwani Tebulo corner before Movic Banda flicked the ball into his path, only for Chimanjamanja’s effort to be comfortably saved.
Bullets also appealed for a handball inside the Immigration penalty area midway through the second half, but the referee waved away their protests.
Bullets’ persistence was rewarded in the 87th minute when Nkunika found the back of the net to halve the deficit and set up a tense finale.
The goal sparked a frantic finish. Bannet curled an effort inches wide before Chimanjamanja opted to square for Movic Banda instead of shooting, allowing Immigration to recover and clear.
Movic Banda was then denied by a brilliant save from the home goalkeeper before Bullets won a succession of late set-pieces in search of an equaliser.
The visitors’ final opportunity came in stoppage time after Innocent Kachingwe was booked for bringing down Enos Hendeman outside the penalty area, but Tebulo fired the resulting free-kick over the crossbar as the hosts held on to claim all three points.
Kabichi encouraged despite defeat
Kabichi praised his players’ commitment despite the result, admitting a slow start proved costly.
“It was a good game and first of all we should thank the boys for their effort and commitment throughout the match. Unfortunately, we didn’t start the game well and we gave away easy goals which made things difficult for ourselves.”
The Reserves coach acknowledged his side’s defensive struggles but stressed that developing the club’s young players remains the priority.
“We are conceding too many goals at the moment, but as coaches it is our responsibility to continue working with the players to improve in those areas. These are still young players who are learning and developing, and such experiences are part of their growth as footballers.”
Despite the defeat, Kabichi believes there were positives to take from the performance, particularly the response after the break.
“Despite the result, there were positives that we can take from the game, especially the character the boys showed to keep fighting and get back into the contest. We created some good moments and showed signs of improvement in certain phases of the game.”
Looking ahead, Kabichi remains confident results will come as his young squad continues to develop.
“This is another lesson for us and we will go back, analyse our mistakes and prepare differently for the next match. We remain confident in the group and hopeful that with hard work and continued learning, positive results will come our way soon.”
Bullets Reserves XI
Julius Banda; Daniel White (Charles Kasalanga 60’), Feston Botoman, Vincent Kampira, Zaneel Jussab (Jazilu Bannet 19’), Yankho Phiri (Limbitso Chimanjamanja HT), Enos Hendeman, Kondwani Tebulo, Mtende Mayuni, Verson Mudu (Mathews Nkunika HT), Movic Banda.
Substitutes Not Used: Ganizani Banda, Alex White, Brian Mwase, Eustache Baraki.
Immigration FC XI
Innocent D. Mazunga; Innocent Sikwese (Sparrow Msowoya 35’), Madalitso Chalume (Imani Poya 79’), Ajida Byson, Ulemu Munthali, Hendrix Juka (Ellia Manda HT), Prino Dickson (Innocent Kachingwe 86’), Mike Finiyasi, Tony Mbulu, Hajapi Patch.
Substitutes Not Used: Enock George, Haroon Yusuf, Gift Said, Bestie Banda.
Match Statistics
Goals
Prino Dickson 4’, Hajapi Patch 45+2’ (Immigration FC); Mathews Nkunika 87’ (Bullets Reserves).
Bookings
Bullets Reserves: Daniel White (42’).
Immigration FC: Innocent Sikwese (22’), Innocent Kachingwe (90+3’).
Substitutions
Bullets Reserves: Jazilu Bannet for Zaneel Jussab (19’), Mathews Nkunika for Verson Mudu (HT), Limbitso Chimanjamanja for Yankho Phiri (HT), Charles Kasalanga for Daniel White (60’).
Immigration FC: Sparrow Msowoya for Innocent Sikwese (35’), Ellia Manda for Hendrix Juka (HT), Imani Poya for Madalitso Chalume (79’), Innocent Kachingwe for Prino Dickson (86’).
Match Details
Fixture: Immigration FC vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division One League
Date: 8 July 2026
Venue: Chilomoni Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Immigration FC 2-1 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves
