A solo goal from Prince Chalera was enough for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ntopwa FC in the Southern Region Football League at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
What happened
Off to a glittering start, our youngsters took the lead inside the opening ten minutes.
In response to an attack from the visitors, Chalera carried the ball from the halfway line to the area before firing past Ntopwa’s net-minder Stevie Bwanali to make it 1-0 eight minutes from the start.
Looking for a swift reply, Isaac Jomo’s side aimed to get the tie squared with a volley ten minutes later, but our goalie Austin Chirambo was alert and reflexive to maintain our lead with a flying save.
We could have finished the first half with a two-goal lead when centre-back Mussah Bwanali cruised down the right-hand side and managed to deliver a fine cut-back pass which Chalera connected well but this time Bwanali was well-positioned to make a goal-line save.
Unlike the first half, the reserves’ ability to get hold of the ball faded and the visiting Issac Jomo’s side was several times denied by the brilliance of the Malawi international and Bullets’ under-23 first-choice goalkeeper.
Ntopwa’s midfield trio of Charles Kumanda, Amidu Medison and Seleman Mussah then took authority in the midfield battles, more especially in redirecting young Maule’s attacks away from the goal-mouth.
Changes were made from the visiting side as well as from the hosts who entrusted Francis Malikebu and Haji Steven to uphold the lead up to 90 minutes, which, in the end, felt like for eternity for both sides.
At the end of the day, a fierce local derby produced one winner and one king of Blantyre City as Bullets Reserves recorded a 1-0 triumph over Ntopwa FC to secure maximum points.
What it means
The win on Sunday pushed our youngsters to 21 points as they now secure themselves a place in the top 3 in the Group B standings.
Chatama post Ntopwa FC
“I am very pleased though we did not do things at the right time. Ntopwa and Bullets Reserves are always neck to neck. Every team will be coming hard on us and trying to dent our image. We have been a better team for the past years, people will always come hard for us.”
Looking forward
Chatama’s side will be back in action in the league next weekend as they race against Ekhaya FC and Ntaja Rangers for Group B’s top spot.
