FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves delivered an emphatic response, cruising to a 4-1 win over Ntopwa FC in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League at Kamuzu Stadium on Monday.
Prince Chalera netted twice, while Francis Malikebu and Enos Hendeman each scored to seal the victory for the Bullets, punishing the stubborn Ntopwa side who were the hosts for the afternoon.
After suffering a 3-0 defeat to Ekhaya Reserves in their previous match, Bullets were in desperate need of a turnaround—and they achieved it in style.
First Half
The match kicked off with an electric tempo as Bullets nearly grabbed an early lead inside the opening three minutes. A well-delivered corner by Vincent Kampira was initially cleared by the hosts, but it was swiftly recovered by Malikebu, who picked out Kondwani Chaula. Unfortunately, Chaula couldn’t capitalize on the golden opportunity.
Just minutes later, Ntopwa responded with a dangerous free kick outside the box. Ellard M’sosa stepped up confidently but saw his effort comfortably gathered by Ganizani Banda, denying Ntopwa a breakthrough.
Bullets began to dominate possession, controlling the rhythm of the game. They pressed forward with intent, and Matthews Nkunika unleashed a strike that narrowly missed the target.
In the 23rd minute, the visitors earned a promising free kick on the edge of the box. Malikebu’s attempt was deflected for a corner, which Kondwani Tebulo delivered with precision, only for the resolute Ntopwa defense to clear once more.
The deadlock was finally broken in spectacular fashion. Chalera found the net after a beautiful build-up starting from deep in Bullets’ half. Mtende Mayuni launched a pinpoint long ball to the forward, who exchanged a quick one-two with Malikebu before coolly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. It was a brilliant team goal that ignited the momentum, coming in the 31st minute.
Fuelled by their opener, the reserves surged forward again with Malikebu testing the defense, although his effort sailed over the bar.
As the clock ticked toward halftime, Heston Munthali’s boys continued to assert their dominance, launching waves of attacks and earning corners. However, they couldn’t extend their lead despite their relentless pressure.
A lively and intense opening half saw Bullets in the driver’s seat with a one-goal lead.
Second Half
Bullets charged into the second half with the same fire and momentum from the opening 45 minutes. Just moments after the restart, they nearly doubled their lead when Nkunika’s well-placed free kick found Chaula, whose shot thundered off the post.
But there was no escaping the inevitable. In the 50th minute, Malikebu extended Bullets’ advantage after a sizzling cross from Prince Chiumia on the left wing caught goalkeeper Peter Mwanyungwa off guard. The ball dropped kindly at Malikebu’s feet, and the midfielder made no mistake but make it 2-0 with a cool finish.
Ntopwa, desperate to respond, made a change, introducing Peter Austin for Chikumbutso Vale, but the momentum was firmly with the visitors.
Just five minutes later, our boys struck again. Chalera completed his brace with another sensational goal. It all began from deep in their own half when Yankho Phiri sent a superb ball forward. The forward latched onto it, outpaced his marker, and slotted home with class—3-0 to Bullets.
Sensing an opportunity to pile on the pressure, Bullets made an attacking switch, bringing in Enos Hendeman for Chaula.
Despite a few corners won by Ntopwa, including a chance in the 75th minute taken by Martin Sangala, they couldn’t find a way through the disciplined Bullets defense.
Then came the fourth in the 78th minute when substitute Hendeman got on the scoresheet, capping off a stunning team move. It started with Chalera switching play brilliantly to Chiumia, who then fed Hendeman in the box, and the attacker made it count—4-0 and cruising.
Ntopwa managed a consolation goal ten minutes before the end of regular time, courtesy of M’sosa, but the deficit was too large to overturn.
As the visitors looked to close out the game, they reshuffled the pack, introducing Movic Banda, Hadji Steven, and Kondwani Mhone for Nkunika, Chiumia, and the outstanding Chalera.
Gift Frank also came on in the dying moments for Vincent Kampira.
Just before full-time, Ntopwa’s woes deepened as Sangala received a straight red card for a reckless challenge, summing up a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.
The final whistle blew, confirming a dominant 4-1 victory for Bullets—a much-needed return to winning ways after last weekend’s setback as we suffered our first loss of the season
What It Means
With this victory, our reserves have climbed back to the top of the standings with 12 points from five matches this season. They surpass Zingwangwa United, who briefly held first place with 10 points following their 2-0 win over FOMO Reserves on Sunday, before Monday’s games shifted the table once again.
