FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves were denied a massive victory in the title race after conceding deep into stoppage time to draw 1–1 with ThumbsUp Southern Region League leaders Chilobwe United at Moneymen Ground on Saturday afternoon.
Hadji Steven’s brilliant second-half header looked set to hand the young Maule a huge statement win, but a 90+3rd-minute penalty from Emanuel Munthali denied us all three points in a dramatic finish.
The result keeps Bullets within reach of the top positions, but the dropped points mean every remaining fixture carries greater weight as the season enters its decisive phase.
First Half Action
The match opened at a high tempo, with both sides showing urgency and intent. Bullets registered their first threat when Prince Chiumia picked out Hadji Steven with a fine cross, the striker’s header forcing Chilobwe’s defence into an important clearance.
Chilobwe gradually pushed the visitors deeper, threatening through a series of corners and aerial balls, but goalkeeper Julius Banda stood tall—making a crucial save from a goal-bound header and handling several dangerous deliveries with composure.
Bullets responded with their own attacking moments, including a dangerous cross from Vincent Kampira that flashed across the face of goal with no red shirt to meet it, while Precious Juma remained alert in defensive transitions to clear another threatening corner.
An intense half ended goalless after Banda safely gathered a late Chilobwe free kick, keeping the match finely balanced at 0–0.
Second Half Action
Bullets returned from the break with renewed sharpness and should have taken the lead when Movic Banda headed over from a pinpoint Brian Mwase delivery—a massive chance that went begging.
Chilobwe continued to rely on set pieces, but Banda remained superb, producing key interventions to keep the match level. With Bullets settling into sustained possession, the pressure on the hosts grew.
Steven Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 73rd minute.
From Bullets’ first corner of the half, Kampira played short to captain Oscar Petro before earning a free kick. Misheck Billiat stepped up and curled in a superb delivery, and Steven rose brilliantly to glance home a textbook header, giving Bullets a deserved 1–0 lead.
Chilobwe Reduced to Ten Men
Momentum fully swung towards Bullets in the 80th minute when Chilobwe defender Aboubakar Mitambo was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent following a tussle with Billiat.
With a man advantage and the lead, Bullets appeared firmly in control.
Late Drama and a Cruel Blow
However, the match dramatically turned in stoppage time.
90+3’ — Chilobwe were awarded a penalty after the referee judged Matthews Nkunika to have handled inside the box. Emanuel Munthali converted confidently to level the match at 1–1.
Minutes later, Chilobwe earned a dangerous free kick after a foul by Prince Chiumia, but Banda, who had been outstanding all afternoon, reacted superbly to deny Anzeru Joseph’s curling effort in the 90+8th minute.
Despite late efforts from both sides, the match ended on level terms.
Full-Time: Chilobwe United 1–1 Bullets Reserves
A frustrating ending for the Reserves, who produced a disciplined, spirited display and looked destined for a crucial victory. Steven’s header and Banda’s commanding goalkeeping highlighted a strong performance, but a late penalty meant the points were shared.
What It Means
This was Bullets’ third consecutive 1–1 draw—two away and one at home.
The result keeps the Reserves in fourth place with 42 points, while Chilobwe United lead the standings on 49 points.
Bullets remain within touching distance of the leading pack, but with the title race tightening, points are becoming increasingly precious. The display, however, showed resilience, organisation, and attacking quality—key ingredients for the run-in.
What’s Next
The Reserves return to Kamuzu Stadium on Thursday to take on Ntopwa Reserves in another crucial ThumbsUp SRFL fixture as they aim to bounce back and keep their title push alive.
