Sports

 Creck Stall Bullets' Airtel Top 8 Campaign

By Kondwani Nyondo

FCB Nyasa Bullets kicked off their Airtel Top 8 title defence on a sour note after being held to a goalless draw by minnows Creck Sporting Club in the quarter-final first leg at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.

Fans who filled the stadium for the opening match of the tournament were left disappointed as both teams failed to find the back of the net.

Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Bullets couldn’t break down Creck’s resilient defence. The visitors, meanwhile, sat deep and relied on counter-attacks to threaten the holders.

Creck’s only shot on target came in the 14th minute via an Aaron Chilipa free kick, which forced a save from Bullets goalkeeper.






                                                  Bright Munthali


In the 40th minute, George Chaomba’s attempt was deflected for a corner, and from the resulting set-piece, Arnold Kayima failed to convert from close range.

Bullets coach Peter Mponda made tactical changes after halftime, bringing in Mike Mkwate and Yamikani Mologeni. The switch nearly paid off in the 52nd minute when Mkwate set up Hassan Kajoke, but his shot was stopped by Creck keeper Brighton Munthali.

Kajoke had another chance three minutes later but fired wide.

Sensing trouble, Creck coach Joseph Kamwendo responded with a triple substitution before later making a double change to hold off the Bullets onslaught.

Bullets kept pressing for a breakthrough, but Andrew Jovinala’s late attempt in the 84th minute was easily saved.

Despite the draw, Mponda remained upbeat.

“It was an improved performance. We created chances and controlled the game. I’m happy with the team’s effort. This is just the first half; we’ll get it right in the second leg,” he said.

Kamwendo, on the other hand, acknowledged his side’s defensive approach in the second half.

“We played well in the first half and created a few half chances. But we started defending too deep after the break. Still, we have a slight advantage—we’re a different team at home,” he said.

The second leg promises fireworks as both sides look to seal a semifinal slot.

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