FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Ndirande Stars to record a second draw in the last eight of the ThumbsUps Southern Region Football League at Kamuzu Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Despite numerous chances, neither team was able to capitalise.
What happened
There was no time for both sides to settle into the tie as they instantly got into a heated fight for a lead that would settle their nerves.
In the 18th minute, we nearly opened the scoring when full-back Edward Thengo raced into the box and sent a square ball inside, however Prince Chalera fired off target.
Just as we felt we were raising the bar, we were dealt an injury blow early in the half. Wongani Kaponya could not continue and was replaced by Gift Lamowa, who missed our previous match due to a groin issue.
The opening period would go for the half-time break goalless with our youngsters the ones left more frustrated of failing to take what were clear chances.
In search of our first goal in this last phase of the competition, coach Enos Chatama made his second change in the tie by bringing on Oscar Petro and Hadji Steven for Francis Malikebu and Sladge Sanudi at the stroke of an hour.
Believing they could as well gain something from the tie, the visitors made a late double change by replacing Justice Zulu and Chisomo Nyoni with fresh pairs of legs.
Eventually, the visitors almost broke the deadlock with five minutes to go before full-time, but Austin Chirambo produced a magnificent save at the near post to keep us in the match.
In the final moments of the match, we played our last cards, bringing on Blessings Kanowa and Kondwani Mhone for Macray Chiwaya and Chalera. The changes gave us a sharper edge, and we fought harder for a winner in stoppage time. However, despite our forts, the spoils were shared at the final whistle, 0-0 it ended.
What it means
Monday’s result leaves our youngsters winless two games into the last phase of the competition, as they are yet to concede nor score a goal.
Chatama post Ndirande Stars
“It was a very tough game. All in all, the boys played very well from the first whistle to the last whistle. We created so many chances, but we never converted them into goals. The boys fought hard. Inch by inch and pound by pound, we were a better team. Defensively, we were okay; [the visitors] had no shot on target for the entire 90 minutes. We created six to seven chances, we never took them, and we drew again. I’m hopeful the team is in the right direction. We are playing good football and creating chances, but we are not taking them. As time goes on, I believe the goals will come. We have got a team, and we will fight.”
Looking forward
After two back-to-back home fixtures, our youngsters will return to league action away from home next weekend, looking to get their first win in this last phase of the competition.
