FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves bounced back in style with a commanding 5-0 victory over Liberty FC at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe on Monday afternoon, following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat away to Nsanje United.
The young Maule were ruthless in attack and disciplined in defence, with Hadji Steven, Kondwani Tebulo, Kondwani Mhone, and Mischek Billiat all finding the target as Heston Munthali’s side climbed to third in the 16-team ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League on 39 points from 21 games.
Liberty FC, coached by former Bullets captain and Under-19 assistant coach Chimango Kayira, put up a spirited fight but were undone by Bullets’ pace, movement, and clinical finishing. The first-round meeting between the two sides ended in a 0-0 draw.
First Half Action
Bullets started brightly and opened the scoring just seven minutes in when Hadji Steven reacted quickest to a perfectly delivered corner from Kondwani Tebulo, slotting home from close range.
The hosts nearly levelled moments later after Yankho Phiri lost possession, but Matthews Nkunika produced a crucial interception to avert danger.
Liberty pressed forward, forcing goalkeeper Julius Banda into several important saves, including a low stop from Alfred Sapangwa’s free-kick effort. The young shot-stopper remained composed throughout as Bullets held firm at the back.
At the other end, Tebulo and Nkunika each tested the Liberty keeper from distance, but the first half ended with Bullets protecting their slender 1-0 advantage.
Second Half Action
At the restart, Munthali introduced Enos Henderman and Brian Mwase for Henzie Manganyera and Yankho Phiri to add more energy in midfield.
Liberty looked to respond, but Banda denied them with another confident save before Bullets began to take full control.
In the 70th minute, the visitors doubled their lead when Tebulo’s corner created confusion inside the box, allowing Hadji Steven to pounce for his brace. Moments later, substitute Mischek Billiat, who had just come on, won possession on the left flank and crossed for Tebulo to make it 3-0.
With the game firmly in their hands, Kondwani Mhone came off the bench to add the fourth, finishing a superb move started by Billiat in the 84th minute.
The winger then capped a super sub performance by scoring Bullets’ fifth in the 90th minute after a slick exchange with Kondwani Chaula on the break.
Liberty rattled the crossbar deep in stoppage time, but Bullets comfortably held on to register a five-star performance.
It was a dominant display from Heston Munthali’s young side, who showed sharp attacking instincts, defensive discipline, and composure throughout.
The emphatic win lifts Bullets Reserves to third place on 39 points from 21 games in the 16-team ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League.
Elsewhere, Chilobwe United climbed top with 44 points after beating Nyambadwe United 2-1, while Ekhaya Reserves remain second on 42 points following a 2-1 defeat to FOMO Reserves. Mighty Wanderers Reserves sit fourth with 37 points from 20 matches.
The victory restores momentum for the young Maule, who continue their pursuit of the league title with renewed confidence and purpose.
Full-Time: Liberty FC 0-5 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves
Goals: Hadji Steven (7’, 70’), Kondwani Tebulo (75’), Kondwani Mhone (84’), Mischek Billiat (90’)
