Innocent Jauma’s stoppage-time strike condemned FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves to a 1-0 defeat against Nyambadwe United in the SRFA FINCA Division One League on Saturday morning.
Jauma’s 90+3′ winner settled an entertaining contest after the young Bullets had dominated large spells of the match and created the better scoring opportunities without finding a breakthrough.
The youngsters combined energetic attacking football with disciplined defending for much of the contest but were ultimately left to rue a series of missed chances.
The result leaves Bullets Reserves with their second defeat of the league season despite another encouraging performance.
Bullets Create Early Chances
The hosts made a bright start, showing their attacking intent from the opening whistle. Inside three minutes, Verson Mudu tested Nyambadwe goalkeeper Shabir Muhammad before Kondwani Mhone’s follow-up effort was blocked as Bullets looked to seize early control.
The pressure continued with a succession of corner kicks in the 10th minute, all delivered by Vincent Kampira, but Nyambadwe’s defence stood firm.
Three minutes later, a well-worked move involving Mhone and Francis Malikebu released Limbatso Chimanjamanja, whose effort was brilliantly saved. Malikebu reacted quickest to the rebound, only to see his header cleared off the line.
Bullets continued to dominate possession and attacking territory, with Mhone again seeing his effort blocked after meeting Mudu’s inviting cross in the 16th minute.
Nyambadwe responded with a triple substitution in the 23rd minute, introducing Francis Chirwa, Felike Mberenga and Kelvin Chimodzi. The changes injected fresh energy into the visitors’ attack, with Julius Banda producing an important save moments later to keep the scores level.
Shabir Muhammad remained busy before the interval, denying efforts from Chimanjamanja and Kondwani Tebulo, while Erick Sadia’s attempt drifted wide at the other end as the sides went into the break deadlocked.
Jauma Strikes Late
Kabichi introduced Movic Banda and Brian Mwase at the start of the second half in search of fresh attacking impetus.
The changes nearly paid off immediately as Banda squandered a gilt-edged opportunity from Tebulo’s cross before Bannet forced another fine save from Muhammad after connecting with Kampira’s delivery.
The young Bullets continued to press, with Bannet setting up Malikebu, whose curling effort drifted narrowly wide of the far post.
Nyambadwe briefly thought they had taken the lead in the 54th minute, but their celebrations were cut short after the effort was ruled out for offside.
As the contest entered its closing stages, both sides searched for the decisive breakthrough. Mhone forced another save before Bullets introduced Precious Juma and Limbani Manyamba to inject fresh legs into the attack.
The hosts continued to apply pressure through successive corner kicks and a dangerous late free-kick, but were unable to convert their opportunities.
The decisive moment arrived three minutes into stoppage time when Innocent Jauma capitalised on a late opportunity to beat Julius Banda and hand Nyambadwe United all three points.
The result leaves Bullets Reserves with their second defeat of the SRFA FINCA Division One League season despite a performance that deserved more than it ultimately yielded.
Kabichi Confident Results Will Come
Head coach Henry Kabichi believes Bullets Reserves are moving in the right direction despite Saturday’s defeat.
“It was a good game and we started brilliantly, but we missed a lot of chances that could have seen us win the match by several goals,” said Kabichi.
Despite the defeat, the coach believes the team’s performances will soon be rewarded.
“We have to speak with the boys. We know things are not going the way we planned, but with the way we are playing, we believe the results will come very soon.”
Kabichi also reaffirmed the technical panel’s commitment to developing the club’s young players.
“As coaches, it is our responsibility to help these boys develop and reach another level. We have to keep working with them and make sure we avoid conceding unnecessary goals.”
Looking ahead to next weekend’s meeting with Immigration FC, Kabichi said his side would be fully focused on returning to winning ways.
“We will prepare very well for the match against Immigration because we know we will be playing on a different pitch again. It is important for us to perform well and fight for a victory.”
Bullets Reserves XI
Julius Banda; Vincent Kampira (Precious Juma 78′), Mtende Mayuni, Feston Bosmani, Kondwani Tebulo, Yankho Phiri, Eustache M’baraki (Brian Mwase HT), Francis Malikebu, Verson Mudu (Jazilu Bannet 37′), Kondwani Mhone (Limbani Manyamba 78′), Limbatso Chimanjamanja (Movic Banda HT).
Substitutes Not Used: Zanel Jussab, Daniel White, Charles Kasalanga, Ganizani Banda.
Nyambadwe United XI
Shabir Muhammad; Peter Mbowe (Landwell Nyirenda 43′), Gift Sydreck, Imran John, Benito Chikumbu, Mussa Wisiki, Promise Solomon (Felike Mberenga 23′), Alex Dickson (Francis Chirwa 23′), Anthony Chadunga (Kelvin Chimodzi 23′), Erick Sadia (Richard Majutu 43′), Innocent Jauma.
Substitutes Not Used: Hastings Ndauka, Chikumbutso Tchaka, Johnson Nyirenda, Henry Missi.
Match Statistics
Goals
Innocent Jauma 90+3′.
Bookings
Bullets Reserves: Eustache M’baraki (38′), Yankho Phiri (65′), Feston Bosmani (68′).
Nyambadwe United: Imran John (30′), Landwell Nyirenda (90′).
Match Details
Fixture: Bullets Reserves vs Nyambadwe United
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division One League
Date: 4 July 2026
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Bullets Reserves 0-1 Nyambadwe United
