FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Youth and Ndirande Stars Youth settled for a 0-0 stalemate in the FCB Katswiri Under 20 League at Mpira Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Relentless attacking, stunning saves, and agonizing near-misses marked the encounter.
What happened
Yamikani Fodya’s boys burst out of the blocks, earning a corner kick within the first three minutes. Precious Chamangwana’s lightning-quick exchange with Kelvin Chimodzi left the Ndirande defence reeling, but they managed to clear the danger.
In the 10th minute, the hosts were awarded a free kick in our defensive area, and Joel Jiya stepped up to take it. With confidence and precision, he struck the ball, however, his effort went straight down to Hopeson Phiri.
Bullets also won a free kick at the other end of the pitch following a challenge on Osman George. Vincent Kampira took responsibility for the set piece, delivering a precise ball into the box. However, Gift Frank’s header went over the crossbar.
After half an hour, both teams made substitutions. The hosts introduced Ivin Beyard, replacing Ulungi Zigambo, while Bullets brought on Charles Kasalanga to replace George, who picked up an injury.
Five minutes after the changes, Kampira unleashed a powerful shot that came off the upper post, and from the rebound, Chimodzi struck it with his left foot only to be denied by Joseph Chirwa, who was equal to the task, producing a spectacular save to concede a corner which he equally stopped to rescue his side.
There was nothing to separate to two sides as the referee blew his whistle to end the opening period.
As the second half got underway, Fodya made another change, introducing Yusuf Chambakata into the fray in place of Hassan Madula as he looked to inject fresh impetus into the team’s attack.
Ndirande had two consecutive corner kicks inside the opening three minutes of the second half, piling pressure on young Maule’s defence. Beyard took responsibility for both set pieces, delivering inviting balls into the box. However, Phiri, proved equal to the task, producing two heroic saves in quick succession.
As the hour mark approached, Bullets began to gather momentum, launching a relentless barrage of attacks on the opposition’s goal. Wave after wave of pressure was applied, with our young midfielders and forwards combining fluidly to create scoring opportunities.
However, despite their dominance, the visitors were unable to land the killer blow, with the final ball into the box lacking the precision and power needed to break the deadlock.
Ndirande came close to taking the lead in the 68th minute but they squandered a gilt-edged opportunity. Beyard delivered a pinpoint cross into the area, beating our defence and finding a teammate in a prime scoring position. However, in a shocking lapse, the attacker failed to capitalize on the chance, somehow managing to miss the ball, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
Moments later, Chimodzi found himself presented with a glorious scoring opportunity, courtesy of a clever pass from Kampira. However, with the goal seemingly at his mercy, the youngster failed to capitalize on the chance.
Bullets were presented with a last-gasp opportunity to snatch victory through a corner kick. Chamangwana stepped up to take the set piece, delivering a precise ball into the box. In a heart-stopping moment, Dominic Kayamba rose to meet the cross, heading the ball into the net. However, our youngsters’ jubilation was short-lived, as the assistant referee’s flag was up for offside.
The match came to a close after 80 minutes of play, with neither team able to break the deadlock. Despite the efforts of both sides, the scoreboard remained unchanged and the spoils were shared following a goalless draw.
What it means
Following the 0-0 draw, Bullets Under 19s remain in second position in the standings with 58 points and a game left to play.
Coach Fodya post-match reaction
“We dominated possession and had several chances to score, but unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on them. I’m proud of the team’s effort and determination, but we need to work on our finishing and composure in front of goal. We’ll regroup and prepare for our next match, where we’ll look to end the season on a strong note.”
What next
With only one game remaining, the team will hope to finish the season on a high note when they take to the field on Wednesday afternoon.
