Second-half goals from Enos Hendeman and Jazilu Bannet earned FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves a 2-0 victory over Nchima United on Sunday, ending a two-match losing run in the SRFA FINCA Division One League.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves produced an impressive second-half display to return to winning ways at Mpira Stadium, controlling long spells of Sunday’s contest before second-half goals from Enos Hendeman and Jazilu Bannet sealed all three points.
Henry Kabichi’s side created the clearer scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon and were rewarded after the interval as Hendeman and Bannet found the net to secure a convincing home victory.
The hosts made a bright start and almost broke the deadlock inside four minutes when Vincent Kampira whipped a dangerous cross into the six-yard box, but no teammate could apply the finishing touch.
Bullets continued to dictate the tempo and looked the more threatening side.
A free-kick in a promising position midway through the first half came to nothing after Blessing Wasiya was booked for fouling Movic Banda, with Kampira’s delivery cleared by the visitors’ defence.
Moments later, Kampira again turned provider, picking out Banda inside the penalty area, but the forward lifted his effort over the crossbar from a promising position.
Nchima United gradually settled into the contest and almost capitalised on a mix-up between the Bullets defence and goalkeeper before Pilliran Banda fired over during the visitors’ best spell of the half.
Back at the other end, Charles Kasalanga saw an effort deflected behind before Bullets earned successive corners, while Mtende Mayuni produced an important clearance to deal with Samson Patrick’s dangerous delivery from a Nchima set-piece.
The visitors, coached by former Bullets defender Afiki Sikelo, remained well organised before the break but were eventually undone by Bullets’ sustained second-half pressure.
The sides went into the interval level after an entertaining opening half in which Bullets created the clearer chances but were unable to find the breakthrough.
Hendeman and Bannet seal deserved win
Kabichi made a triple substitution at half-time, introducing Limbitso Chimanjamanja, Enos Hendeman and Felix Jalasi for Movic Banda, Alex White and Eustache Baraki.
The substitutions immediately injected fresh energy into Bullets’ attack. Matthews Nkunika headed wide from Kampira’s corner before Hendeman struck the post and then had the rebound ruled out for offside.
Bullets continued to dominate possession, with Charles Kasalanga, Jazilu Bannet and Felix Jalasi combining well before Hendeman delivered an inviting cross for Kasalanga, whose effort was well saved by the Nchima goalkeeper.
The hosts were then forced into another change when Kasalanga limped off injured and Brian Mwase was introduced.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 73rd minute when Hendeman reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area after Nchima United failed to clear their lines, calmly firing home to cap a sustained spell of pressure.
Nchima attempted to respond, but captain Kondwani Tebulo produced an important clearance from a corner before Bullets continued pushing forward in search of another goal.
Bullets doubled their advantage in the 88th minute following an excellent team move. Tebulo burst down the left before drilling a low cross into the penalty area, where Bannet timed his run perfectly to sweep home from close range.
Bullets nearly added a third in stoppage time when Kampira rattled the upright after Chimanjamanja recycled possession from a corner, while Mayuni produced an outstanding last-ditch sliding tackle deep into added time to deny Nchima one final opportunity before the final whistle.
The victory ended Bullets Reserves’ two-match losing run and rewarded an accomplished performance in which they finally turned sustained dominance into goals.
Kabichi pleased with response
Head coach Henry Kabichi credited his side’s improved second-half display to the tactical adjustments made during the interval and believes the result will provide an important confidence boost following successive defeats.
“It was a good performance from the boys. We started the match very well, although towards the end of the first half we began moving the ball backwards too often instead of playing forward and asking more questions of the opposition.
“At half-time we spoke about the spaces Nchima were leaving through their marking. We felt that if we made better use of those areas and were more clinical with the chances we were creating, we could go on and win the game. I was pleased with the response because the players applied those adjustments well in the second half.”
Kabichi also welcomed his side’s clean sheet and said the victory should help restore confidence within the youthful squad while reinforcing the importance of their continued development.
“This victory is an important confidence boost for the boys after two consecutive defeats. Results like this help young players believe in themselves and give them confidence to keep expressing themselves on the pitch.
“Keeping a clean sheet is another positive, but there is still plenty for us to work on. These are young players who are learning every day, so our responsibility as coaches is to keep developing them, especially in the defensive aspects of the game, so that they continue improving with every match.”
Bullets Reserves XI
Ganizani Banda; Vincent Kampira, Feston Botoman, Mtende Mayuni, Kondwani Tebulo; Matthews Nkunika, Charles Kasalanga (Brian Mwase 64′), Eustache Baraki (Enos Hendeman HT), Alex White (Felix Jalasi HT); Movic Banda (Limbitso Chimanjamanja HT), Jazilu Bannet.
Substitutes not used: Julius Banda, Precious Juma, Daniel White, Kondwani Chaula, Henzie Manganyera.
Nchima United XI
Prince Kuyenda; Blessing Wasiya, Patrick Richard, Matthews Pakaine, Chikumbutso Kaitano; Vincent Kaipa (Manfred Pharaoh 86′), Brown Malcello (Pemphero Nseula 52′), Blessings Gustino; Pilliran Banda, Stephano Banda (Byson Chakuyanga 79′), Samson Patrick (Nelson Njanji 52′).
Substitutes not used: Yamikani Mgwadira, Andrew Mmamiwa, Gift Confort, Gracious Kachulu.
Match Statistics
Goals
Bullets Reserves: Enos Hendeman 73′, Jazilu Bannet 88′.
Bookings
Bullets Reserves: Matthews Nkunika 34′, Enos Hendeman 67′.
Nchima United: Blessing Wasiya 17′.
Match Details
Competition: SRFA FINCA Division One League
Match: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves vs Nchima United
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Date: Sunday, 12 July 2026
Result: Bullets Reserves 2-0 Nchima United
