FCB Nyasa Big Bullets began the defense of the Airtel Top 8 Cup with a goalless draw against Creck Sporting Club on Saturday afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium.
Facing the visitors for the first time in a knockout competition, the defending champions struggled to breakthrough. Peter Mponda’s men could not register a single shot on target in the opening half. It was clear early on that the afternoon would be a challenging one.
Despite the struggles to penetrate Joseph Kamwendo’s side, Bullets showed determination, pushing hard to gain an advantage, but the opponents executed a well-disciplined game plan aimed at frustrating the home side ahead of the return leg later this month.
Opening Half
Coming off a league-opening win over Silver Strikers just a week earlier, Mponda made four changes to his starting lineup by introducing Hassan Kajoke, Henry Chiwaya, Innocent Nyasulu, and Ephraim Kondowe.
The match itself might have lacked goals, but it was rich in tactical intricacies. Bullets dominated possession throughout, but as time passed, it became evident that quick play wouldn’t be enough to penetrate Creck’s well-organized defense.
The opening period, though light on chances, nearly saw Creck take the lead in the 40th minute when George Chaomba’s close-range effort was blocked by defender Blessings Joseph. While the hosts put in a hard-working midfield shift led by the brilliant Lloyd Aaron, we failed to translate our dominance into meaningful attempts on goal. In contrast, Creck occasionally tested Bullets, with Bayo Fatayo firing narrowly over the bar from long range.
The Final Half
Mponda sought to shift the momentum in the second period, bringing on Yamikani Mologeni and Mike Mkwate for Kondowe and Chiwaya. The tactical adjustment was aimed at strengthening our attack, despite Kajoke operating as a lone striker in a diamond formation.
The second half was all about Bullets, who controlled possession and pinned Creck back into their own half. The visitors, with the advantage of a second leg on home turf, were content to slow the game and capitalize on counterattacks.
In the 52nd minute, Bullets’ best chance of the match fell to Kajoke, who found himself one-on-one with Creck goalkeeper Brighton Munthali. However, Munthali’s heroic save denied the forward, keeping the game goalless. Mere minutes later, Kajoke missed another golden opportunity, narrowly sending a header wide off a superb cross from Wongani Lungu.
As the pressure mounted, Creck made a triple substitution, introducing Isaac Msiska, Hassan Hussein, and Frank Phiri to replace Fatayo, Babangida Ishaya, and Arnold Kiyama. This move sought to catch Bullets on the counterattack and potentially secure a vital away goal.
For Bullets, Mponda continued his search for a breakthrough, making late changes by bringing on Babatunde Adepoju and Maxwell Phodo for Kajoke and Yankho Singo. However, the home side’s efforts fell flat as the visitors’ resolute defense held firm, ensuring the game ended in a goalless stalemate.
Creck, without being completely outclassed, executed a disciplined defending strategy that leaves Bullets facing a tough test in the return leg in Lilongwe.
Player of the Match
With first captain Clyde Senaji unavailable for selection on Saturday, Lloyd Aaron once again donned the armband for a second consecutive match. Delivering another outstanding performance, our midfield maestro earned the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.
What it Means
The 0-0 draw marks Bullets’ fourth scoreless stalemate in the Airtel Top 8 tournament. Our previous goalless draws came against Silver Strikers in the 2017 season’s return leg, Moyale Barracks in the 2018 return leg, and Civil Service United in last season’s second leg. The People’s Team will have to look for nothing but victory when we travel to the capital for the return leg of the quarterfinal tie on 27 April.
What’s Next?
Bullets will hope to bounce back when we welcome Creck Sporting Club again, this time for a TNM Super League clash on Wednesday afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium.
