FCB Nyasa Big Bullets collected a point from a goalless draw with Luanar Mitundu in the FDH Bank Premiership at Dedza Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides created opportunities, with Innocent Nyasulu producing two important first-half saves before Emmanuel Kanthiti denied Clever Kalambo after the interval.
The result moves Wedson Nyirenda’s side to 27 points from 14 matches.
Kalambo returns to the starting XI
Nyirenda made one change to the team that defeated Karonga United 1-0, restoring Kalambo to the starting XI following his suspension, with Maxwell Phodo dropping to the bench.
Bullets started on the front foot and won a free-kick in the third minute after Ephraim Kondowe was brought down in the attacking half. Yamikani Mologeni delivered into the area, but Blessings Mpokera headed wide.
Luanar responded three minutes later when they advanced into the Bullets box, although Rahim Mtondera’s weak header was comfortably gathered by Nyasulu.
Kondowe then made an excellent run down the left and sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but no Bullets player arrived to apply the finish.
The hosts won their first corner in the tenth minute, with Mologeni alert to clear the danger as both teams continued to show attacking intent.
Nyasulu stands firm as chances flow
Nyasulu was called into action in the 17th minute, producing a fine save to deny Daah Rashid.
At the other end, Misheck Billiat won a free-kick inside the Luanar half. Mologeni’s delivery found the forward after Kanthiti had left his line, but Billiat sent his effort narrowly outside the right-hand post.
Bullets continued pushing for the opening goal, but the home defence stood firm.
Luanar created their clearest opportunity of the half in the 32nd minute. Several Bullets players stopped after the assistant referee raised his flag to signal a foul on Rashid, but referee Idrissah Matola waved play on, allowing Mtondera to race through on goal.
Nyasulu remained alert and produced an excellent one-on-one save to keep the match goalless. Nyirenda was subsequently shown a yellow card for questioning the decision to allow play to continue.
Three minutes later, Prince Chiumia conceded a free-kick for a foul on Precious Segula. Luanar worked the set-piece short, but the resulting effort went wide.
Bullets threatened again six minutes before the break when Mologeni sent another free-kick into the area. Kanthiti collected the delivery but required medical attention after making the save.
Billiat was booked in the 42nd minute after striking the ball into the net while play remained stopped for Kanthiti to receive treatment.
The teams went into the interval level following four minutes of added time.
Kanthiti denies the breakthrough
Bullets resumed with purpose and won a free-kick immediately after the restart. Mologeni delivered into the box, but Kanthiti was well positioned to make the save.
Nyirenda made his first change in the 59th minute, introducing Phodo for Chawanangwa Gumbo as Bullets searched for the breakthrough.
Two minutes later, Kalambo found space to test Kanthiti, but the Luanar goalkeeper produced an important save to keep the contest goalless.
The hosts responded with changes of their own. Nicholas Kalondore and Charles Mbewe replaced Mtondera and Samson Phiri in the 64th minute before Fletchar Bandawe came on for Emmanuel Nyakutepa two minutes later.
Madalitso Safuli replaced Kondowe in the 66th minute and was presented with a set-piece opportunity moments later, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Late pressure brings no reward
Bullets continued searching for the breakthrough as the match entered its final quarter, with Luanar operating deeper.
Sean McBrams replaced Kalambo in the 78th minute before Chiumia was booked for bringing down Bandawe. Bullets defended the resulting free-kick well.
Another promising set-piece followed for Luanar in the 82nd minute, but the Bullets backline again dealt with the danger.
Simeon Singa replaced Mbewe with three minutes of regulation time remaining as the hosts looked for a late opening.
Five additional minutes were played, but neither side could find the decisive touch and the points were shared.
Bullets remain fourth in the standings with 27 points from 14 matches. Nyirenda’s men have conceded only seven goals in the league this season, with the Dedza draw completing a run of three successive clean sheets.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets XI
24 Innocent Nyasulu; 2 Yamikani Mologeni, 31 Prince Chiumia, 4 Blessings Mpokera (C), 26 Emmanuel Kaunga; 17 Yankho Singo, 29 Chawanangwa Gumbo (20 Maxwell Phodo 59’), 19 Wongani Lungu; 11 Clever Kalambo (14 Sean McBrams 78’), 28 Misheck Billiat; 13 Ephraim Kondowe (12 Madalitso Safuli 66’).
Substitutes not used: 1 Pilirani Mapira, 3 Ahmad Kung’unde, 21 Andrew Jovinala, 52 Kondwani Tebulo, 6 Frank Willard, 7 Peter Banda.
Luanar Mitundu XI
1 Emmanuel Kanthiti; 14 Leo Kachikho (C), 3 Loyd Siyeni, 6 Emmanuel Nyakutepa (Fletchar Bandawe 66’), 8 Limbani Mujahid Phiri, 9 Daah Rashid, 10 Precious Segula, 11 Samson Phiri (7 Charles Mbewe 64’, replaced by 23 Simeon Singa 87’), 12 Rahim Mtondera (5 Nicholas Kalondore 64’), 19 Emmanuel Chikadza, 24 Tamandani Ngulube.
Substitutes not used: Gama Dayson, 2 Henderson Banda, 17 Kwalira Josophat, 18 Henry Msowoya, 25 Pemphero John.
Match statistics
Bookings: Misheck Billiat 42’, Prince Chiumia 79’
Technical-area booking: Wedson Nyirenda 32’
Match details
Fixture: Luanar Mitundu vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: FDH Bank Premiership
Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026
Venue: Dedza Stadium
Result: Luanar Mitundu 0-0 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
