Reserves: Movic Banda’s strike secures Bullets 1-0 win over The Boys

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves Secure Back-to-Back Wins with 1-0 Victory over The Boys

In a thrilling encounter at Chilomoni Stadium on Saturday afternoon, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves edged past The Boys in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League, thanks to a solitary goal from Movic Banda in the second half. With this victory, Munthali's charges have now secured back-to-back wins in the second round and sit just six points behind leaders Ekhaya Reserves.

The opening exchanges of the match saw both teams showing intent, with Bullets Reserves earning the first corner of the game in the 2nd minute. However, despite their bright start, they were unable to find the breakthrough. The Boys threatened in the 16th minute from a set piece, but the Bullets' defence cleared well. Banda looked lively for the hosts, connecting with a Kondwani Tebulo cross in the 22nd minute, but his header went straight into Muhammad Liwewe's gloves with the offside flag already raised.

The first half ended goalless, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage. At the break, Munthali made substitutions, bringing on Zaneel Jussab, Brian Mwase, and Enos Henderman to replace Malikebu, Petro, and Chiumia. These changes gave Bullets renewed energy, with Mwase and Henderman both testing their range early on.

The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Mwase, who has been promoted from the Under-19 side, initiated a move in midfield, spreading wide to Billiat, who whipped in a pinpoint cross for Banda to slot home and make it 1-0.

Banda nearly doubled the advantage moments later, but his header from a Tebulo corner flew wide. With their noses in front, Bullets gained control of the contest, knocking on the door for a second goal. The Boys pushed forward in the 75th minute in search of an equaliser, but the Bullets' defence, marshalled well at the back by Ganizani Banda, stood strong.

More changes came in the 80th minute as Hadji Steven and Prince Chalera replaced Billiat and Banda. Chalera made an immediate impact, linking up well with Jussab, but he blazed over from a promising position. Minutes later, Mwase's dangerous cross found Chalera again, but the striker's header drifted wide.

Despite missed chances, Banda's solitary strike was enough to secure maximum points for the visitors. This victory marks back-to-back wins for Munthali's charges in the second round of the league campaign. The result takes their tally to 34 points, keeping the title race wide open and boosting Bullets' hopes as the season progresses.

"First of all, I would like to thank my boys for the effort they showed today. It was a tough match, but we managed to collect all three points," said a delighted Munthali after the match. He admitted the Reserves struggled to create chances in the first half but credited his second-half substitutions for shifting the game's momentum.

"In the first half, we didn't create many opportunities, but after making changes, we controlled the game, created more chances, and scored at the right moment," Munthali explained.

Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of consistency as the second round continues. "This is still a developing team, but the progress is clear. Week by week the boys are improving, and our focus now is to keep up the good work and stay consistent," Munthali concluded.

The FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves' next fixture is against Jwangwango United on Saturday, 17th September, at Balaka Stadium.

Stay tuned for more updates from the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League.

Summary: Sure, here is a concise summary of the text: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves defeated The Boys 1-0 in a ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League match at Chilomoni Stadium on Saturday. The lone goal was scored by Movic Banda in the 54th minute, following a move initiated by Zaneel Jussab. The win marks back-to-back victories for Bullets in the second round of the league campaign, moving them to 34 points and within six points of leaders Ekhaya Reserves. Coach Heston Munthali praised his players for their effort and credited his second-half substitutions for shifting the game's momentum. He emphasized the importance of consistency as the second round continues.