FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Zingwangwa United in Saturday’s ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League clash at Kamuzu Stadium.
An inspired second-half equalizer from Movic Banda gave the home side hope, but despite their efforts, they were unable to secure all three points and had to share the spoils.
Nevertheless, the draw was sufficient for the reserves to maintain their position at the top of the league table, now boasting 13 points from six games.
First Half
The match sparked into life as early as the 6th minute when Bullets came out firing. Hadji Steven whipped in a dangerous cross into the box, but Grant Malera was quick to react, bravely cutting out the threat.
Bullets looked promising, but momentum quickly shifted in the 10th minute. After Yankho Phiri was brought down, Prince Chiumia stepped up for a free kick. However, the set piece was swiftly cleared by the alert Zingwangwa defense, sparking a lightning-fast counterattack. Sheriff Maida showed blistering pace and composure as he surged past Ganizani Banda and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, giving Zingwangwa the lead.
The visitors began to grow in confidence, winning a corner that was well defended by Steven. In a bid to regain control, Bullets made a tactical switch in the 23rd minute, bringing on Vincent Kampira for Daniel White.
Despite trailing, Bullets created promising opportunities. At the half-hour mark, Kampira almost made an instant impact, swinging a delightful cross into the box, but Kondwani Chaula couldn’t convert.
Two minutes later, Heston Munthali’s boys earned their first corner. Francis Malikebu delivered it with intent, and Chaula connected with a header, only to see his effort sail just over the bar.
As the minutes ticked down, the home side desperately tried to reorganize and find a rhythm, but Zingwangwa’s defense stood tall, frustrating their every move.
The first half ended with Zingwangwa holding a slender 1-0 advantage.
Second Half
Looking to inject energy and stability into the midfield, Munthali made a switch at the break, introducing Zaneel Jussab for Chaula. The change paid immediate dividends, with Bullets appearing sharper and more composed in possession.
The Maule faithful nearly had reason to celebrate in the 56th minute when a fluid move down the left saw Jussab link up beautifully before the ball found Kampira, who slipped in Steven. His low drive whizzed past the post by mere inches, drawing gasps from the crowd.
In the 61st minute, the game took a dramatic turn. A Zingwangwa defender was penalized for a handball inside the box, handing Bullets a golden opportunity to level the score. Chalera stepped up, but Mulera became the hero for the visitors, diving to make a superb save and preserve their lead.
Unshaken, Bullets made another double substitution moments later, bringing on Banda and Enos Hendeman for Steven and Malikebu. The impact was almost instant.
The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute. Jussab, who had been pulling strings in the middle, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where substitute Banda was perfectly placed to bury the equalizer with a composed finish—a goal that underlined Bullets’ second-half dominance and fighting spirit.
Zingwangwa tried to hit back with two corners in quick succession around the 80th minute, but Bullets’ defense stood resolute, clearing both threats with authority.
As the game neared its end, Bullets nearly snatched all three points in the 88th minute when Banda turned provider, slipping a clever ball to Jussab, unfortunately, the youngster’s effort agonizingly missed the far post by inches.
When the final whistle blew, it was honors even at 1-1—a result that keeps Bullets Reserves at the summit of the table with 13 points from six games played.
