FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves saw their eleven-match winning run halted by a goalless draw against Nyambadwe United in the SRFA FINCA Division One League at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Led by assistant coach Gift Nyirenda, the young Bullets enjoyed spells of possession and created opportunities in both halves but could not find a way past opponents who had won the first-round meeting 1-0.
The result kept Bullets top of the standings on 41 points and extended their unbeaten league run to twelve matches. Nyirenda took charge in the absence of head coach Henry Kabichi, who is attending a CAF C coaching course in the Central Region.
Bullets Search for an Opener
The young Bullets made an encouraging start, creating their first opportunity in the fifth minute when Enos Hendeman received a pass from Vincent Kampira but sent his effort wide.
Bullets continued to enjoy possession and won a corner in the 13th minute, but Jazil Bannet’s delivery failed to trouble the Nyambadwe defence.
Three minutes later, Hendeman turned provider, picking out Kondwani Chaula, whose header was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Shabir Muhammad.
Nyambadwe registered their first attacking threat in the 23rd minute, but Mtende Mayuni reacted quickly to clear the danger.
Bullets threatened again four minutes later when Zaneel Jussab picked out Hendeman, but the move was ruled offside.
The visitors gradually grew into the contest, winning a corner in the 32nd minute after Jussab cleared a dangerous cross. However, the resulting header drifted wide.
Nyirenda made his first substitution in the 35th minute, introducing Limbitso Chimanjamanja for Chaula as Bullets searched for greater attacking impetus.
Nyambadwe came close to breaking the deadlock six minutes later when Chrispin Kaombe connected with Chisomo Kamowa’s pass, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
The visitors won another corner in the 44th minute, with Praise Msukwa stepping up to deliver, but the opportunity came to nothing.
Bullets enjoyed more possession during the opening half but struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear-cut opportunities, leaving the contest goalless at the interval.
Second-Half Push Falls Short
The second half began at a slower pace, with neither side able to establish an attacking rhythm during the opening exchanges.
Nyirenda responded in the 53rd minute, introducing Duncan Kumbuyo for Hendeman as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.
Three minutes later, Mayuni received a yellow card for a foul, handing Nyambadwe a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Ganizani Banda reacted well to turn the resulting delivery behind for a corner before dealing with the subsequent effort to keep the scores level.
Bullets threatened twice in the 59th minute through dangerous deliveries from Jussab, but Muhammad read both situations well to intercept.
The hosts won a free-kick two minutes later after Bannet was fouled by Gift Sidreck, who was subsequently booked.
Kondwani Mhone stepped up to take the set-piece, but his effort sailed wide of the target.
Nyambadwe made changes in the 71st minute, introducing Landwell Nyirenda and Patrick Sifa for Msukwa and Benito Chikumbu, respectively.
Bullets made a double substitution four minutes later, with Alex White and Verson Mudu replacing Bannet and Mhone.
The visitors won another corner in the 77th minute, but the resulting effort failed to trouble Banda.
Bullets continued their search for a winner and created another opening in the 82nd minute when White delivered a corner into the box, but Mayuni headed wide.
With the match entering its closing stages, both sides pushed forward in search of a decisive goal.
Nyambadwe won a corner in the 90th minute, but Bullets cleared the danger before quickly launching a counterattack that earned them two successive corners.
The visitors’ defence stood firm to deal with both deliveries, leaving Bullets to settle for a share of the points.
Nyirenda Calls for Improved Finishing
Nyirenda acknowledged Bullets’ attacking difficulties before the break but felt the second-half changes helped his side pose a greater threat.
“It was a really tough game, especially in the first half, when we struggled to create chances going forward.
“We knew we needed to improve in that area, and after the break, the substitutions we made really helped us. We started creating opportunities and getting into dangerous positions, but unfortunately, we failed to capitalise on those chances and find the goals.”
The assistant coach identified finishing as a priority ahead of the Reserves’ next assignment.
“We need to work more on our finishing because creating chances is one thing, but converting them into goals is equally important.
“We will go back to training, work on that aspect of our game and make sure we come back stronger.”
Despite the frustration of dropping points, Nyirenda drew encouragement from the players’ collective effort.
“We want to maintain our winning mentality, and despite not getting the result we wanted today, I am happy with the togetherness and fighting spirit the boys showed. We will keep working hard and pushing forward.”
Bullets Reserves XI
43 Ganizani Banda; 65 Vincent Kampira, 56 Precious Juma, 62 Mtende Mayuni, 46 Zaneel Jussab, 48 Matthews Nkunika, 51 Enos Hendeman (64 Duncan Kumbuyo 53′), 47 Francis Malikebu, 50 Kondwani Mhone (66 Verson Mudu 75′), 57 Kondwani Chaula (58 Limbitso Chimanjamanja 35′), 45 Jazil Bannet (55 Alex White 75′).
Substitutes Not Used
67 Felix Jalasi, 59 Yankho Phiri, 68 Charles Kasalanga, 69 Eustache Baraki.
Nyambadwe United XI
1 Shabir Muhammad; 12 Peter Mbowe, 3 Benito Chikumbu (2 Patrick Sifa 71′), 4 Chrispin Kaombe, 14 Gift Sidreck, 5 Godfrey Gowa, 7 Imran John, 8 Praise Msukwa (9 Landwell Nyirenda 71′), 15 Kelvin Chimodzi, 6 Chisomo Kamowa, 13 Henry Missi.
Substitutes Not Used
16 Mwai Chingulo, 40 Chikumbutso Tchaka, 10 Muhane Wisiki Mussa, 19 Hollance Chilekwe, 11 Francis Chirwa, 22 Mike Nkhoma, 17 Promise Solomon.
Match Statistics
Goals
Bullets Reserves: None.
Nyambadwe United: None.
Bookings
Bullets Reserves: Mtende Mayuni 56′.
Nyambadwe United: Gift Sidreck 61′.
Match Details
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves vs Nyambadwe United
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division One League
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre
Kick-off: 15:00
Half-time: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves 0-0 Nyambadwe United
Result: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves 0-0 Nyambadwe United
