(By Vinjeru Ngwira)
The first quarterfinal of the Airtel Top 8 tournament ended in a goalless stalemate as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Creck Sporting Club played out a cagey encounter at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
The opening half was played at a slow tempo, with both sides showing caution and creating few clear-cut chances, as neither team asserted significant attacking intent.
Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets returned from the break with greater urgency, making a double substitution that saw Mike Mkwate and Yamikani Mologeni replace Ephraim Kondowe and Henry Chiwaya.
The tactical switch injected momentum into the Bullets’ play, allowing them to dominate the second half. despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and piling on the pressure, they were unable to find the breakthrough in open play.
Speaking after the match, Bullets head coach Peter Mponda lauded his team’s performance, noting they controlled the game well. However, he expressed disappointment at not securing a win and remains hopeful that the side will maintain the same intensity in the return leg.
Creck Sporting Club coach Joseph Kamwendo admitted it was a game of two halves. He acknowledged that his side retreated too deep in the second half, which allowed Bullets to dictate the game.
Kamwendo conceded that his players were more composed in the first half but lost their rhythm after the interval. nonetheless, he remains optimistic ahead of the return leg, confident that playing at home with strong fan support will give them the edge.
Photo Credit FAM