Holders FCB Nyasa Bullets yesterday had a bumpy start to the Airtel Top 8 title defence as they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Creck Sporting Club in the quarter-final first leg at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Multitudes flocked to the stadium hoping to witness the launch of the eighth edition of the competition only to be served with a cold dish as the two sides failed to produce goals.
The defending champions dominated the proceedings of the match witnessed by Football Association of Malawi and Airtel Malawi officials.
Creck opted to sit back and operate on counter-attacks, hoping to catch Bullets by surprise.
The visitors’ shot on target came the 14th minute through Aaron Chilipa free kick which forced Bullets goalkeeper to punch the ball away.
George Chaomba’s goal-bound shot was also deflected by Blessing Mpokela in the 40th minute for a corner.
Thereafter, Arnold Kayima failed to tap in from close range from the resultant set-piece.
Bullets coach Peter Mponda made some changes soon after recess, introducing Mike Mkwate and Yamikani Mologeni to replace Ephraim Kondowe and Henry Chiwaya.
Bullets’ closest chance came in 52nd minute when Mkwate set up Hassan Kajoke, but the striker shot was stopped by Creck goalkeeper Brighton Munthali.
Three minutes later, Kajoke wasted another chance, shooting wide after he was set up by Wongani Lungu.
Creck coach Joseph Kamwendo sensing that that they were being stretched by Bullets also made some substitutions.
He made a triple substitution introducing Frank Phiri, Isaac Msiska and Hassan Hussein to replace Fatayo Bayo, Babangida Ishaya and Arnold Kiyama.
A double substitution followed as Akuzike Lifa and Patrick Mupanzi replaced Stain Patrick and George Chaomba
Bullets responded by adding more firepower by intruding Batunde Adepoju and Maxwell Phodo who replaced Yankho Singo and Kajoke.
The holders pressed on for a goal but Bullets attacking midfielder Andrew Jovinala shot in the 84th minute was easily saved by Munthali to deny Bullets advantage ahead of the second leg.
In post-match interview, Mponda said he was happy with the performance despite producing no goals.
He said: “It was an improved performance although there were no goals. We controlled everything. We created chances.
“I am very happy with the performance. But this is just the first-half; we will get it right in the return leg.”
On his part, Kamwendo said his charges played well in the first half but they could not take the chances created.
He said: “The first-half we played well; created some half chances though we didn’t take them. But I think the performance in the fist-half was better than in the second.
“Second-half we started defending too early. We started defending too deep. In the end, it gave us a bit of pressure because Billets kept coming.”
Kamwendo was also confident to wrap up the game in the second leg.
He said: “For us, at least we have a bit of advantage because when we are playing at home, we are never the same.”
The two sides meet for the second leg in a fortnight.
