FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves saw their impressive unbeaten run in the second round of the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League come to an end after falling 2-0 to a spirited Nsanje United side at Nsanje Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result handed the Young Maule their first defeat of the second round, halting a solid run that had seen them collect eight points from four matches before this trip to the Lower Shire.
First Half Action
The hosts got off to a dream start, taking the lead just three minutes into the match when in-form winger Danger Fred slotted home after a brilliant team move that sliced through the Bullets defence.
Nsanje, sitting in the bottom three of the standings, continued to pile on the pressure in the early stages, forcing Bullets deep into their own half. The visitors tried to respond in the 14th minute through a set piece, but Kondwani Tebulo’s free kick went straight into the goalkeeper’s gloves.
Four minutes later, Matthews Nkunika attempted a long-range strike after being set up by Kondwani Mhone, but his effort flew over the bar.
As the game progressed, Bullets began to find their rhythm and push forward in search of an equalizer. However, their momentum was halted in the 25th minute when the referee pointed to the spot after Precious Juma handled the ball inside the box. Fred calmly converted the penalty, sending Ganizani Banda the wrong way to double the hosts’ lead.
Despite Bullets’ efforts to fight back, Nsanje remained compact and organized at the back. The visitors made a triple substitution, bringing on Mischek Billiat, Vincent Kampira, and Prince Chalera for Hadji Steven, Mhone, and Juma to add more attacking threat.
Bullets came close when Kampira’s dangerous cross drifted inches wide, but the first half ended 2-0 in favour of Nsanje United.
Second Half Action
Bullets started the second half with intent, immediately earning a corner through Billiat, though it resulted in a goal kick. The hosts replied with a corner of their own in the 52nd minute, but the attempt went wide.
As the half progressed, Bullets increased their tempo, creating several chances from successive corners through Billiat and Mtende Mayuni, but Nsanje’s defence held firm.
Coach Heston Munthali introduced Brian Mwase for Enos Henderman on the hour mark to add fresh energy in attack.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple openings, Bullets failed to find the back of the net as the home side defended resolutely. Tebulo and Kampira continued to threaten from set pieces, but their efforts either went over the bar or were comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.
When the final whistle blew, Nsanje United celebrated a crucial 2-0 victory that ended Bullets Reserves’ unbeaten streak in the second round.
Post-Match Reaction
Munthali expressed disappointment with both the result and the quality of officiating, saying it disrupted his team’s rhythm.
“It was not a good day for us. We created a lot of chances but couldn’t convert them,” said Munthali. “I also have to say the officiation really affected the flow of the game. But we’ll go back, work on our mistakes, and focus on bouncing back in our next match.”
The defeat leaves Bullets Reserves with a minor setback in their title chase, while Nsanje United celebrated a morale-boosting home victory in front of their fans. Munthali’s boys remain third with 36 points from 20 games, while Nsanje move to 15th, second from the bottom of the table, with 17 points.
