FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves moved into third place in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League standings after an impressive 4–1 victory over Immigration FC at Kamuzu Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
After a patient first half, Bullets broke the deadlock in the second half, with Kondwani Tebulo opening the scoring. Movic Banda doubled the lead shortly after, followed by Vincent Kampira, and captain Oscar Petro wrapped up the 4–1 victory.
First Half: Dominance Without Reward
From the first whistle, Heston Munthali’s boys controlled the tempo, pressing high and keeping possession in the visitors’ half. Within the opening five minutes, the hosts had already shown clear intent to break down Immigration’s defence.
Misheck Billiat combined cleverly with Mussah Bwanali to deliver a teasing cross, but Movic Banda was inches away from making contact. Shortly after, Kondwani Mhone swung in a corner that found Enos Henderman, whose header went just over the crossbar.
Bullets dominated possession for long periods but struggled to convert their chances into goals. The visitors defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Innocent Mzungu making key saves and organising his backline effectively. Banda came close again after a Billiat cross, but Mzungu was quick to react.
By the 31st minute, Immigration began to push forward, earning a corner that ended harmlessly over the bar. Banda later struck the crossbar following a precise setup from Mhone, and the rebound was cleared. Moments later, Banda missed another golden opportunity, sending his strike over the bar. At this stage, Bullets could have been two or three goals ahead.
Oscar Petro tested the goalkeeper from distance, followed by Mhone’s effort, which was comfortably saved. Banda had yet another chance after a setup from Henderman but blasted over the bar. The first half ended with Immigration unable to capitalise on rare opportunities.
Halftime Score: Bullets Reserves 0–0 Immigration FC
Second Half: Breaking the Deadlock
Bullets came out of the break with renewed energy. Munthali made a tactical change, bringing on Kondwani Tebulo for Henderman to inject pace and creativity into the attack.
Early in the half, Bullets continued to apply pressure. Billiat delivered a free kick, which Banda met with a header, but the effort went over the bar. Billiat also attempted a shot following a pass from Mhone, which went wide.
A corner following a slick combination between Petro and Brian Mwase was delivered by Billiat, but the Bullets Reserves captain’s follow-up was cleared. Young Maule were dominating possession, creating chances but yet to break the deadlock.
The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute when substitute Tebulo found the back of the net after a well-worked move initiated by Billiat from a throw-in. Prince Chiumia provided the final pass, and the left-footed winger finished with composure to give Bullets the lead.
The Reserves doubled their advantage two minutes later when Banda finished off a move set up by Tebulo and a clever release from right wingback Vincent Kampira. Bullets continued to dominate, creating further chances, though Banda missed another clear opportunity before Immigration cleared a quick corner.
Munthali’s boys extended their lead as Kampira struck a precise finish following a pass from Chiumia in the 62nd minute.
The visitors managed to pull one back in the 69th minute, with Erick Mandanda reacting quickly to a rebound off the post to make it 3–1.
Bullets made a double substitution in the 74th minute, bringing on Matthews Nkunika and Zaneel Jussab for Mwase and Billiat. Bwanali made a crucial clearance from a free kick, while Tebulo narrowly missed a counterattack opportunity.
Later, Bullets won another corner, and Mhone’s shot from a brilliant team move went just wide after a setup from Tebulo.
The match was sealed in stoppage time when Petro scored in the 90th minute after a perfectly timed pass from Nkunika, securing a 4–1 victory for Bullets Reserves.
What It Means
With two games remaining, the victory reinforces Bullets Reserves’ standing as serious contenders in the league. They moved to third place with 52 points, one point ahead of Mighty Wanderers Reserves, who have 51 points.
Ekhaya Reserves remain top with 56 points following a goalless draw against The Boyz, while Chilobwe United occupy second place with 56 points after a 4–0 victory over Chilomoni FC in the other Thursday matches.
What’s Next
Bullets Reserves will face Chilomoni FC on Monday, aiming to build momentum and continue their push up the table.
Following that, the Reserves will close the ThumbsUp SRFL campaign with the Blantyre mini-derby against Mighty Wanderers Reserves, a high-stakes encounter that could have major implications for the final league standings.
