FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves edged The Boys 1-0 at Chilomoni Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League, with Movic Banda scoring the decisive second-half goal to earn back-to-back victories in the second round.
First Half Action
Bullets Reserves started brightly, earning the first corner of the game in the 2nd minute. Mischek Billiat swung the ball in for Banda, whose header went wide. Both sides battled for control in the opening exchanges, with neither able to dominate possession.
The Boys threatened in the 16th minute from a set piece, but the Bullets’ defence cleared well. Banda looked lively, connecting with a Kondwani Tebulo cross in the 22nd minute, though his header went straight into goalkeeper Muhammad Liwewe’s gloves, with the offside flag already raised.
The hosts responded almost immediately as Alex Chikopa tested goalkeeper Ganizani Banda, who saved comfortably. Bullets then carved out more chances near the half-hour mark, with a short corner routine between Billiat and Francis Malikebu cleared by the defence, before Vincent Kampira forced Liwewe into a fine save from a free kick.
At the other end, Chikopa tried his luck again from another dangerous free kick, but Banda was equal to it. The Reserves pressed late in the half, winning another corner through Billiat, but the hosts stood firm as the first half ended goalless.
Second Half Action
Coach Heston Munthali introduced Zaneel Jussab, Brian Mwase, and Enos Henderman at the break, replacing Malikebu, Oscar Petro, and Prince Chiumia. The changes gave Bullets renewed energy, with Mwase and Henderman both testing their range early on.
The breakthrough came in the 54th minute. Mwase, who has been promoted from our Under-19 side, initiated a move in midfield, spreading wide to Billiat, who whipped in a pinpoint cross for Banda to slot home and make it 1-0. Banda nearly doubled the advantage moments later, but his header from a Tebulo corner flew wide.
With their noses in front, Bullets gained control of the contest, knocking on the door for a second. The Boys pushed forward in the 75th minute in search of an equaliser, but the Bullets’ defence, marshalled well at the back, stood strong.
More changes came in the 80th minute as Hadji Steven and Prince Chalera replaced Billiat and Banda. Chalera made an immediate impact, linking up well with Jussab, but he blazed over from a promising position. Minutes later, Mwase’s dangerous cross found Chalera again, but the striker’s header drifted wide.
Despite missed chances, Banda’s solitary strike was enough to secure maximum points for the visitors.
What It Means
This victory marks back-to-back wins for Munthali’s charges in the second round of the league campaign.
The result takes their tally to 34 points, just six behind leaders Ekhaya Reserves, who have played a game more. Importantly, Ekhaya stumbled with a 2-0 defeat to Liberty FC on Sunday, keeping the title race wide open and boosting Bullets’ hopes as the season progresses.
Coach’s Reaction
Munthali praised his players for their effort in what he described as a tough away match at Chilomoni Stadium.
“First of all, I would like to thank my boys for the effort they showed today. It was a tough match, but we managed to collect all three points,” he said.
He admitted the Reserves struggled to create chances in the first half but credited his second-half substitutions for shifting the game’s momentum.
“In the first half we didn’t create many opportunities, but after making changes we controlled the game, created more chances, and scored at the right moment,” Munthali explained.
He also highlighted the steady progress of his young side, noting their improved confidence and mentality each week. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of consistency as the second round continues.
“This is still a developing team, but the progress is clear. Week by week the boys are improving, and our focus now is to keep up the momentum and stay within touching distance of the top,” he concluded.
