FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves missed a chance to climb to the top of the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League Group B standings after a goalless draw against Ekhaya United at Mpira Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Match highlights
It was a cautious start to the game by our lads who looked comfortable keeping the ball in their half, hoping to exploit the spaces the hosts would leave while they pushed up the pitch.
While Ekhaya looked for a way through the middle, Enos Chatama’s boys made their intent of using our pacey wingers clear as they often dashed the ball on the flanks.
Tightly contested, the tie rolled out with the two sides managing to register a single shot on target each and equally had won three corners as the clock clicked to half an hour.
A half that was packed with lots of goal-mouth action would end without a goal but beautifully poised for the second half.
Having spent much of the first chapter of the game behind the ball to contain the offensive hosts, Bullets came to life.
And when Blessings Mwamadi was called from the bench and thrown into the fierce battle of play, Bullets looked likely to be first scorers in the tie.
Down the flanks, Ekhaya’s wingbacks were suddenly having a really tough time containing the gears Wongani Kaponya and Misheck Biliati put up in pace as Mwamadi made the midfield tick in penetration play.
Some passages of neat and intriguing football were there for both teams, especially in the late stages of the tie.
Keen for a result, Chatama made a double change in stoppage time but there was nothing to separate the two sides after 95 minutes of football. 0-0, it ended.
What it means
The stand of the two sides on the log table does not change after Thursday afternoon’s result. Ekhaya United are still the Group B leaders, but now with 18 points while our reserves remain second with a one-point gap.
A single game is left to be played by both Ekhaya and our boys before they wrap up the first round of their 2024 campaign.
Chatama’s remarks after the match
“It was a tough match; one we could have won but missed it. The boys put a heart to it mostly in the second half. We are playing well but the biggest problem is scoring. The direction our boys are taking is good, we will fix the areas of concern along the way.”
Looking ahead
To mark the end of the first round of Group B, Bullets Reserves are now left with another Blantyre derby fixture, they play Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Reserves next week.
