FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves moved to the top of the SRFA FINCA Division One League after a commanding 4-1 victory over Ntopwa FC at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.
Limbitso Chimanjamanja struck twice inside the opening 14 minutes to give the young Bullets early control before Jazil Bannet extended the advantage shortly after the restart.
Ntopwa pulled one back from the penalty spot through Renard Panje, but substitute Heinze Manganyera restored the three-goal cushion with 15 minutes remaining to complete the scoring.
The victory takes Bullets Reserves onto 28 points and extends their winning run to seven consecutive league matches.
Assistant coach Gift Nyirenda was in charge of the side, with head coach Henry Kabichi attending a CAF C Coaching Licence course in Lilongwe.
Chimanjamanja puts Bullets in control
Bullets made an immediate impression and needed only six minutes to open the scoring.
Captain Francis Malikebu initiated the move on the right before finding Kondwani Chaula, whose delivery was met by Chimanjamanja to head home.
The lead was doubled eight minutes later.
Bannet delivered into the area during another promising attack involving Malikebu, and Chimanjamanja reacted quickest to the rebound to make it 2-0.
Ntopwa threatened towards the end of the half and came close to reducing the deficit when an effort from a corner struck the side post.
Bullets, however, maintained their two-goal advantage heading into the interval.
Bannet and Manganyera complete the victory
Nyirenda made two changes at the start of the second half, introducing Alex White and Brian Mwase for Chaula and Enos Hendeman.
The Reserves continued to carry an attacking threat and added a third in the 54th minute when Bannet produced a powerful strike that beat the goalkeeper at the near post.
Ntopwa were handed a route back into the contest when they were awarded a penalty, which Panje converted to make it 3-1.
Bullets responded with another double substitution in the 64th minute, with Yankho Phiri and Manganyera replacing Duncan Kumbuyo and Malikebu.
The changes brought another reward 11 minutes later.
Manganyera pressed high to regain possession before driving forward and calmly finishing into the far corner to restore the three-goal advantage.
Matthews Nkunika replaced Precious Juma in the 78th minute as Bullets managed the closing stages.
Ntopwa continued searching for another goal, but the defence held firm, while goalkeeper Ganizani Banda made several important interventions, including an excellent stoppage-time save to preserve the three-goal margin.
The final whistle confirmed a 4-1 victory and sent Bullets Reserves to the summit.
Nyirenda pleased with attacking execution
Nyirenda praised the players for translating elements of their work on the training ground into the performance.
“First, congratulations to the boys for the win. We managed to score the goals as we had planned in training, even though they did not play exactly the way I was expecting.”
He explained that the second-half substitutions were designed to give Bullets greater numbers in attacking areas.
“We made the changes because it was tactical. We wanted to have more numbers in front and it helped us to get other goals, even though we conceded from the spot.”
Nyirenda also underlined the importance of continuing to give players opportunities within the club’s development structure.
“This is a development side, so we are giving everyone a chance to play so that they can grow.”
With the Reserves now on a seven-match winning run, the assistant coach believes the sequence is strengthening confidence within the squad but wants attention to quickly turn to the remaining first-round fixtures.
“When you are winning, it helps to bring confidence in the team and makes it easier when you are doing things.
“Now we need to shift our focus to the games that are left to finish the first round.”
Bullets Reserves move onto 28 points, one above Ekhaya Reserves, who are scheduled to face Chilomoni in a midweek fixture on Wednesday.
Seven successive victories have strengthened the young Bullets’ position at the top end of the table, with focus now shifting to the remaining fixtures of the first round.
Bullets Reserves XI
Ganizani Banda, Vincent Kampira, Precious Juma (Matthews Nkunika 78’), Feston Botoman, Zaneel Jussab, Duncan Kumbuyo (Yankho Phiri 64’), Enos Hendeman (Brian Mwase 46’), Francis Malikebu (Heinze Manganyera 64’), Limbitso Chimanjamanja, Kondwani Chaula (Alex White 46’), Jazil Bannet.
Substitutes not used: Rashid Nicks, Felix Jalasi, Eustache Baraki, Verson Mudu.
Ntopwa FC XI
Billy Junior Tewesa, Precious Banda, Brighton Muthupwa (Kondwani Mwalida 25’), Millet Benson, Chikumbatso Vale, Chikumbatso Baton, Yohane Matiyasi, Samuel Banda (Rashid Magombo 82’), Renard Panje (Frank Chikomeni 82’), Issac Mwase, Lyton Luciyano.
Substitutes not used: Chifundo Missi, Ekalie Mhango, Antony Osten, Chisomo Pangani, Madalitso Chilambo, Davie Paipe.
Match statistics
Goals
Ntopwa FC: Renard Panje (pen)
Bullets Reserves: Limbitso Chimanjamanja 6’, 14’, Jazil Bannet 54’, Heinze Manganyera 75’
Bookings
Ntopwa FC: Samuel Banda
Bullets Reserves: None
Match details
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division One League
Match: Ntopwa FC vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves
Venue: Mpira Stadium
Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026
Result: Ntopwa FC 1-4 Bullets Reserves
