Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by debutants Creck Sporting Club in the opening leg of the Airtel Top 8 Cup, in a cagey encounter played at Kamuzu Stadium.
In front of a passionate home crowd, the Red Army, record three times champions of the cup, started brightly, dominating the early stages of the match and exhibiting their trademark possession-based play. However, despite their dominance and a flurry of set pieces, the hosts failed to break down a well-organized and disciplined Creck defense marshaled expertly by goalkeeper Brighton Munthali.
First Half: Bullets Dominate, Creck Stand Tall
The opening minutes saw FCB Nyasa Big Bullets assert their authority with four free kicks within the first 10 minutes and constant pressure in the visitors’ half. The first real chance came in the 4th minute, but Munthali confidently dealt with a probing attack. Despite controlling the game and limiting Creck to sporadic counterattacks, the home side couldn’t translate possession into goals.
As the half progressed, Creck found their footing, with Aaron Chilipa and George Chaomba threatening from midfield. A 40th-minute thunderbolt from Chaomba nearly stunned the hosts but was deflected for a corner. Just before the break, Chaomba again came close to putting Creck ahead, but the Bullets’ defense held firm.
The first half ended goalless but not without action, as the midfield became the battleground in a physically intense but tactically balanced affair.
Second Half: Bullets Press, Creck Hold
Rain showers welcomed both teams into the second half, but that did little to dampen the pace. Bullets made early substitutions, bringing on Mike Mkwate and Yamikani Mologeni to inject creativity. The changes sparked urgency, with Bullets nearly breaking the deadlock through Hassan Kajoke, whose effort was denied by a superb Munthali save in the 52nd minute.
Despite piling pressure and winning several corners and free kicks, Bullets were repeatedly thwarted by Creck’s resolute backline. The introduction of Babatunde Adepoju and Maxwell Phodo Gasten in the 81st minute failed to produce the much-needed spark.
Creck’s tactical discipline saw them weather wave after wave of Bullets attacks, and their time management tactics in the final minutes, including two players going down in added time, ensured they took a valuable draw back home.
Coaches’ Reactions
Bullets head coach Peter Mponda remained upbeat despite the result, praising his side’s performance
Mponda expressed confidence going into the second leg in Lilongwe, highlighting the team’s dominance in possession and creativity.
“We controlled everything. We created chances… Very, very happy with the performance, very disappointed with the result. But this is only 45 minutes. From where we have stopped today, the way we were boasting possession, very, very pleasing to watch,” said Mponda.
On the other side, Joseph Kamwendo, head coach of Creck Sporting Club, was pleased with his team’s discipline and composure, especially given their debut status:
“It was a game of two halves… We started defending too early in the second half, but I’m happy we managed to hold them.”
Looking ahead to the return leg, Kamwendo said:
“At least we have a bit of an advantage. At home we are never the same. With our fans behind, we are going to take the game to them.”
What’s Next
The two sides are set to face off again in Lilongwe in the second leg on 27 April 2025, with everything still to play for.
As the Airtel Top 8 Cup heats up, this goalless draw has already set the tone for a thrilling conclusion. Will the experience of Bullets shine through, or can Creck pull off a stunning upset on home soil?
Action continues in the Airtel Top 8 with the following fixtures:
