FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves extended their dominant form in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League, securing a 2-0 win against Nyambadwe United to cement their place at the summit of the standings.
The youthful Bullets squad delivered a performance marked by discipline, energy, and incisive attacking play, earning their third consecutive victory—all without conceding a single goal—and setting an early benchmark in the Premier Division league.
First Half
The match set off at a lively pace, with Bullets winning their first corner inside five minutes. Kondwani Tebulo cleverly played it short to Oscar Petro, but Nyambadwe’s defense was alert and cleared the threat.
Both sides fought fiercely for control in midfield, resulting in dynamic, end-to-end action, though neither managed a shot on target during the opening 15 minutes as they tested each other’s resolve.
Heston Munthali’s boys continued to press and soon forced another corner. Vincent Kampira sent a dangerous ball into the area, but no team-mate was available to capitalize and the opportunity slipped away.
Nyambadwe responded almost immediately, earning a corner of their own. Samalani Kanyoni stepped up but squandered the chance, sending his strike wide. Minutes later, Praise Msukwa fired another ambitious attempt for the visitors, but he too missed the target.
The hosts remained without a shot on goal as Nyambadwe increased the pressure and asserted themselves in the Bullets’ half. Needing inspiration, the home side found it with a tactical substitution in the 38th minute. Prince Chiumia replaced Zaneel Jussab and our new signing made an instant difference.
Just two minutes after coming on, Bullets broke the deadlock in style. Winning possession in midfield, Prince Chalera delivered an accurate cross into the danger zone, where Chiumia was poised to finish expertly. The stadium erupted as Bullets grabbed a crucial 1-0 advantage.
The first half concluded with our reserves holding a slim lead, thanks to a moment of brilliance from the super-sub.
Second Half
As play resumed, Nyambadwe introduced two substitutes in an effort to shift momentum, but it was Bullets who seized control after the break.
Eight minutes into the second period, the supporters celebrated again. In the 53rd minute, Hadji Steven calmly slotted home after receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Kampira, doubling the Bullets’ advantage with a well-worked team goal.
Shortly afterward, Henzie Manganyera was replaced by Francis Malikebu to bolster Bullets’ midfield.
We earned another corner soon after the hour mark, and a slick one-two between Kampira and Chiumia saw Chiumia unleash a low, driven effort that flashed just wide, narrowly missing a third goal.
Despite the miss, Bullets Reserves continued to dictate play, dominating possession and launching a series of probing attacks that pinned Nyambadwe deep inside their own territory.
Nyambadwe tried to rally in the 68th minute with a corner, but the delivery failed to threaten and drifted harmlessly out of play.
Bullets responded with a triple substitution in the 70th minute, introducing Movic Banda, Enos Hendeman, and Kondwani Mhone in place of Chalera, MaClay Chiwaya, and Hadji Steven. The injection of fresh legs added renewed intensity and energy to the home side.
With ten minutes left on the clock, Bullets had a golden opportunity to put the game completely out of reach. Tebulo crafted a brilliant pass for Kampira, but with the goal gaping, the wingback was unable to convert.
Nyambadwe earned one last corner in the 85th minute and quickly combined for a short routine, but Bullets’ defense was alert and swiftly diffused the threat.
After a convincing second-half display, the final whistle sealed a well-deserved 2-0 victory for Bullets Reserves, capping off a commanding and assured performance from start to finish.
What it means
With Sunday’s 2-0 triumph over Nyambadwe United, Bullets have now chalked up three wins in three matches, while maintaining three consecutive clean sheets.
Heston Munthali’s Post-Match Reaction
“We’re thrilled with this victory. We started strong, though in the first half we struggled at times to react quickly enough to loose balls. After making a few tactical tweaks and communicating more on the pitch, we were able to push forward with greater purpose and found the breakthrough just before halftime.
“Our opponents had their chances, pressing into our half, but our defense held firm and remained disciplined throughout the match. Full credit goes to the players; they gave everything and fully earned these three points.
“This squad is still developing. With so many new faces, the players are still learning how to gel as a unit. That said, the progress is clear. Going three games without conceding is a testament to how well this group is coming together, particularly at the back.”
