FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves delivered a commanding second-half performance to claim a 2-0 victory over Immigration FC on Saturday afternoon at Chilomoni Stadium, strengthening their grip at the top of the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League.
After a tightly contested and goalless first half, the young Bullets came alive through goals from Misheck Billiat and substitute Francis Malikebu to secure all three points.
The opening 10 minutes saw both teams start cautiously as they tried to settle into the match. Immigration created the first real chance when Tonny Mbulu tested Julius Banda, but the Bullets goalkeeper pulled off a sharp save.
Soon after, Prince Chalera was fouled just outside the box. Prince Chiumia took the resulting free kick, but his effort lacked power and was easily gathered by Immigration goalkeeper Innocent Mzungu.
Set pieces began to tilt momentum in Bullets’ favour, with Misheck Billiat delivering a series of corners around the 23rd minute, although the hosts remained defensively solid. Immigration had their own chances from free kicks taken by Gift Sato, but Julius Banda and the Bullets defence stayed alert to keep things level at the break.
Second-Half Spark
Coach Heston Munthali made two key halftime changes, introducing Francis Malikebu and Zaneel Jussab for Movic Banda and Prince Chiumia. The impact was immediate.
Immigration threatened early on through a corner, but Bullets responded with sustained pressure. Kondwani Tebulo came close from a set piece before the breakthrough finally arrived in the 64th minute.
A smart corner routine saw Prince Chalera pick out an unmarked Billiat, who kept his composure to slot past Mzungu and hand Bullets a 1-0 lead.
The second goal followed in the 75th minute. After winning the ball in midfield, Tebulo fed Chalera, who beat his marker and squared the ball for Malikebu to tap into an empty net. The substitute took a knock in the process and was replaced soon after.
Munthali reshuffled again, bringing on Hadji Steven and Enos Hendeman to keep up the pressure. Chalera came close to making it three, while Steven rattled the crossbar in the 90th minute after another slick attacking move.
Late substitute Precious Juma was brought in to solidify the backline as Bullets comfortably saw out the game.
What It Means
The victory keeps Bullets Reserves firmly at the top of the standings with 19 points from eight games, having recorded six wins, one draw, and one loss—a strong run that continues to build serious momentum in their title chase.
The result also underlines the squad’s growing depth, with key contributions coming from both starters and substitutes—particularly Francis Malikebu, whose impact off the bench proved decisive.
What’s Next
Bullets Reserves now shift their focus to a midweek clash against Nsanje United, scheduled for Wednesday at Kamuzu Stadium. With form on their side and confidence running high, the team will be aiming to extend their lead at the top and continue their push toward the knockout stages as the second round of fixtures continues.
