FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves suffered their second defeat of the 2025 ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League season after going down 1-0 to Chilobwe United in a spirited but frustrating contest at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday morning.
Despite dominating large spells of the game, a costly defensive lapse early in the second half saw the young Maule fall short in front of their home fans.
First-Half Action
The match got underway at a lively tempo, with both teams exchanging early attacking threats. By the 10th minute, it was an open affair, with relentless end-to-end play characterising the opening stages.
Bullets came close to opening the scoring when Kondwani Mhone delivered a dangerous corner that found Daniel White, whose towering header flew just over the crossbar. Chilobwe responded with a spell of pressure, earning two quick corners in the 29th minute, but the Bullets backline—anchored by goalkeeper Julius Banda—stood strong to clear the danger.
As the half progressed, the tempo intensified with both sides battling for the breakthrough. Chilobwe were awarded a free kick just outside the area in the 40th minute, but the attempt was deflected for a corner, which drifted harmlessly wide of Banda’s goal.
The first half ended goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock despite the high tempo and attacking intent on display.
Second-Half Action
Bullets made early changes after the break, introducing Enos Hendeman and Yankho Phiri for MaClay Chiwaya and Mhone in a bid to increase attacking momentum.
However, disaster struck just five minutes into the restart when a defensive mix-up allowed Sylvester Chimenya to pounce and fire Chilobwe into a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute.
Coach Heston Munthali reacted swiftly, sending on Prince Chalera and Prince Chiumia in the 58th minute to replace Movic Banda and Zaneel Jussab. The changes added fresh urgency as Bullets pressed forward in search of an equalizer.
In the 65th minute, Kondwani Tebulo tested the keeper with a well-struck free kick that was parried away. The resulting corner was also dealt with, as Chilobwe’s defense continued to frustrate the home side.
Bullets kept pushing, and Chalera came close in the 75th minute, but his curling effort missed the target by inches. The hosts piled on the pressure in the closing stages, but Chilobwe remained compact and disciplined at the back.
Chilobwe managed the final minutes well, winning two late corners to slow down the tempo. Bullets defended the set pieces well, but time ran out before they could find the equalizer.
What It Means
The result sees Bullets Reserves stay second on the log with 27 points, now trailing leaders Ekhaya Reserves by three points. However, Ekhaya still have a game in hand, adding more pressure to Bullets’ title pursuit.
