A stunning first-half strike from Oscar Petro, followed by clinical finishes from Enos Hendeman and Macray Chiwaya in the second half, powered FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves to a commanding 3-0 victory over FC Thondwe on Saturday afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium.
The young Bullets delivered a dominant and electrifying display, combining class, composure, and attacking flair to secure all three points. This win extended their lead at the summit of the league to 26 points, keeping their title ambitions firmly on track.
First Half
Bullets took the lead early, within the opening 10 minutes, when Petro received a neat pass from Kondwani Mhone just outside the box and the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike that beat Thondwe goalkeeper Shabil Muhammad at the far post.
Thondwe tried to respond, earning a corner in the 18th minute taken by Philomon Mbeta, but the delivery went harmlessly wide. Bullets continued to press, and Prince Chalera had a chance in the 25th minute after a cross from Zaneel Jussab, but his header lacked direction.
As the half progressed, Bullets dominated possession and dictated the tempo, though Thondwe began to find some rhythm around the 35th minute, winning back-to-back corners. However, their set-pieces were ineffective, with deliveries failing to trouble the Bullets defense.
Thondwe gained confidence late in the half through a series of free kicks in Bullets’ half, but the resilient Bullets backline stood firm. The half ended with Bullets leading 1-0.
Second Half
The Reserves wasted no time increasing their lead early in the second half. Just two minutes after the restart, Hendeman doubled the advantage, slotting home the rebound from a deflected shot by Chalera, who had been set up by Vincent Kampira.
Shortly after, Hendeman was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Chiwaya, who made an immediate impact. In the 61st minute, Chiwaya finished off a well-worked team move, assisted by Francis Malikebu, to make it 3-0.
Coach Heston Munthali made further attacking substitutions in the 65th minute, bringing on Movic Banda and Yankho Phiri for Chalera and Malikebu to maintain momentum.
Thondwe had a rare opportunity in the 73rd minute from a free kick, but Chikondi Kamanga’s effort flew over the bar. Later, Sherrif Swaddick and Hadji Steven replaced Julius Banda and Kondwani Mhone, respectively, as Bullets continued to control the game.
In the 85th minute, Bullets nearly added a fourth goal when Steven’s dangerous cross found Movic Banda, but his shot was superbly saved by Muhammad.
The match ended 3-0 in favor of Bullets Reserves, a victory that underlined their attacking depth and solidified their position atop the league table with 26 points.
