FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves have moved top of the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League following a 3-1 win over Mighty Tigers at the Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Captain Andrew Lameck registered a brace as Hadji Steven scored a stunner on his first start this season.
What happened
Looking pretty much at home, Bullets Reserves saw much of the ball in the opening minutes but were guilty of being clumsy in critical areas of their transitioning.
Capitalizing from careless build-up play between goalkeeper Julius Banda and Mussah Bwanali, Tigers took the lead through Antony Madeya who emphatically struck at first time in the area to make it 0-1 in the 12th minute.
Stunned, young Maule hurried their play with multiplied energy as they started to make inroads in breaking curved lines put up by the visitors.
At the stroke of the half-hour mark, our boys got the leveller as Lameck beat Tigers goalie Saidi Kwezalamba with a low cool finish after being set up by Steven in the box.
Animated with that equalizer, Enos Chatama’s side looked angry to take the lead a few moments later but striker Prince Chalera put to waste a glorious chance in a one-versus-one scenario.
A half in which plenty of chances were created for both sides could only produce two goals, 1-1 it ended.
Looking a different animal coming from the interval, Bullets quickly put themselves in front two minutes after the restart and in a spectacular fashion.
Cutting in from the left-hand side, Steven took a couple of step-overs before unleashing a thunderbolt past the goalkeeper whose hand proved not strong enough to keep it away.
There was a sense of submission among the visitors as our boys invaded through all channels and produced a lot of near-misses.
Lawrence Nenula, our own Bullets legend, likely hoped his Tigers Reserves would still get back in the tie after maintaining their compactness under pressure.
Nonetheless, our youngsters found a way. 24 minutes into the second half Lameck completed his brace to put his side in a more secure lead.
Since being introduced from the bench, Misheck Biliati looked lively and in the build-up to the goal did excellently to beat a man and cut a ball inside. Chalera, not in a good angle, failed to finish but instead nicely laid it to Lameck who executed the finish to perfection, it was 3-1 when the clock struck 69.
There could be more for us on the score sheet given the chances thereafter. Chalera was presented yet with another chance but again squandered it.
With five minutes to go, Chatama made a double change bringing on Kondwani Mhone and Madalitso Safuli who went on to secure the 3-1 victory.
What it means
Following Saturday’s win, Bullets Reserves move to 24 points. They are now on top of Group B.
What Chatama said after the match
“A tough match. We conceded an early goal which was a lack of communication from the defence and the goalkeeper. Then they pressurized us in our own territory, they were fond of playing high-balls into the box which were difficult to defend. All in all, 3-1 is a good win and we go back to the drawing board to see if we can do better.”
Next
After a successful fixture, our boys will be back in action in the midweek when they take on Lipulumundu Stars at home.
