FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves played a goalless draw against Ekhaya United in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe on Sunday afternoon.
The match was fast-paced with plenty of action, but neither side could find the breakthrough, and the game ended level.
What happened
It had rained cats and dogs an hour before the kick-off, leaving the pitch partially water-lodged and almost unplayable for both sides in the early stages of the tie.
Regardless of that, the home side claimed control as the tie unfolded. Thirteen minutes into the match, they nearly took the lead, but Osman Bakali’s fierce shot from inside the box was brilliantly saved by our number-one net-minder Austin Chirambo.
A few moments later, the hosts had another go at goal, but this time, they were denied by the upright.
On the break, our youngsters created some bright moments but were unable to register a decent attempt on target for the entire opening half.
Much changed, and we returned for the second half looking purposeful while caging the hosts in their half.
Ten minutes into the second half, a dubious moment occurred when Gift Lamowa was tripped by the ‘keeper inside the box, but the referee awarded no penalty kick. He instead decided against us and gave the home side a free-kick claiming a challenge on the goalkeeper while his assistant had his flag down on the right corner flag for our setpiece.
From thereon, the hosts took control and looked the likeliest side to take the lead when they had the most glorious chance to decide the tie, but Safton Chintokoma fired wide in a one-versus-one situation.
It was a frenzy ending for both sides as they looked likely to concede and establish the lead at the same time.
Goalmouth action was plenty, but not a single goal was recorded to separate the two sides; 0-0 it finished.
What it means
Our youngsters are now winless in their first three games of the final phase of the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League.
With three matches played, they have accumulated 3 points and continue their quest for their first win in the last eight.
Enos Chatama post Ekhaya
“We started on a high. We lost steam toward the end of the first half. In the second half, we were well-organized, creating numerous chances, but we failed to convert them into goals. It was a good defensive performance. We just lacked the killer punch in front of goal.”
Looking forward
Next up for our youngsters is another league match this Thursday afternoon, as they host Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium.
