FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves tasted their first defeat of the 2025 ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League season, falling 3-0 to Ekhaya Reserves.
Despite putting up a brave fight—especially after the break—Bullets were ultimately outdone by Ekhaya’s clinical finishing.
First Half
The opening minutes saw both teams cautiously probing for control, with neither side managing a shot on target early on.
Momentum shifted swiftly in the 14th minute when Yusuf Namtunga capitalized on a defensive error. Francis Chimbayo delivered a threatening cross from the right, and when Julius Banda failed to clear effectively, Namtunga pounced to turn home the first goal.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, the young Cowboys seized control, dictating play and confining the young Bullets to their own half.
Heston Munthali’s boys attempted to hit back in the 20th minute, pressing high and winning possession, only for their effort to be cut short by the assistant referee’s offside flag.
As the half advanced, Bullets showed greater attacking intent, earning consecutive corners in the 24th and 28th minutes. Kondwani Tebulo and Francis Malikebu combined intelligently on the second, but Ekhaya’s defense stood tall to repel the danger.
In the 30th minute, Tebulo came close to finding the net, firing narrowly over the bar and highlighting a growing urgency in the Bullets attack.
Just as the home side appeared to be gaining momentum, Namtunga struck again in the 33rd minute. Exploiting a breakdown in defense, he sliced through the back line before coolly slotting past Banda to double Ekhaya’s lead.
Seeking a response, Munthali made two changes three minutes later, introducing Mtende Mayuni and Yankho Phiri for MaClay Chiwaya and Precious Juma.
Shortly after, Vincent Kampira tried to halve the deficit from a free-kick on the edge of the box, but his attempt was deflected and easily cleared.
Ekhaya nearly added a third in the 43rd minute via a corner, but Hadji Steven was alert to clear the danger.
At halftime, Ekhaya Reserves headed into the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage, leaving Bullets needing to mount a significant comeback.
Second Half
Rejuvenated after the interval, Bullets began the second half with renewed urgency. In the 53rd minute, they won a corner following a deflected cross from Steven.
Malikebu sent in the resulting set-piece, but once again Ekhaya’s resolute defense stood firm. A quickly earned second corner saw Kampira and Malikebu link up skillfully, but Kampira’s effort drifted just wide as Bullets continued to search for a breakthrough.
The home side pressed forward energetically, dominating the ball in Ekhaya’s half, but their finishing touch deserted them. In the 59th minute, Steven found himself with a clear sight of goal but failed to capitalize, sending his shot wide.
Looking to inject fresh energy and attacking threat, Bullets made a double substitution in the 62nd minute, bringing on Madalitso Safuli and Prince Chalera for Movic Banda and Malikebu.
Despite Bullets’ pressure, Ekhaya Reserves kept their composure, nearly adding a third in the 65th minute from a corner kick, though this time the home defense dealt with the threat.
Safuli had an opportunity from a free kick after Chalera was fouled, but his effort once again missed the target. With time slipping away, Kampira forced a comfortable save from the Ekhaya goalkeeper in the 80th minute.
In the 85th minute, Bullets made one final change, replacing Steven with Kondwani Mhone. Moments later, Tebulo almost ignited a comeback, smashing a shot against the post after a clever setup from Phiri, electrifying the crowd.
However, any lingering hopes of a comeback were dashed in the final moments, as Samson Zakeyu broke away to score Ekhaya’s third, sealing a comprehensive victory and consigning Bullets Reserves to their first league loss of the season.
