Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were on Saturday afternoon held to a frustrating goalless draw by debutants CRECK Sporting Club in a closely contested Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal first leg at Kamuzu Stadium.

From the first whistle, the hosts looked determined to assert early dominance, with their first real threat coming in the 4th minute.

A promising attack was dealt with confidently by CRECK’s goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, who went on to have a standout afternoon between the sticks.

By the 10th minute, Bullets were controlling possession and had already earned four free kicks, but their efforts were being nullified by a disciplined CRECK side that defended with resolve.

The visitors responded in the 14th minute with a free kick floated in by Aaron Chilipa, which was punched clear by Bullets’ custodian Innocent Nyasulu.

Both sides traded half-chances in a physical first half. Notably, Salima was flagged offside in the 24th minute. Three minutes later, Bullets came close from a 27th-minute corner.

As the clock hit the half-hour mark, CRECK began growing into the game, opting to sit deep and spring on the counter.

Their long-range efforts and clever pressing started to trouble the home side.

CRECK’s best moment of the half came in the 40th minute when George Chaomba’s shot forced a vital deflection from Blessings Mpokera. The resulting corner saw Bullets momentarily under pressure before regaining composure.

The first half ended with the  sides locked at 0-0.

While Bullets dominated early proceedings, CRECK clawed back momentum in the final 15 minutes, frustrating their more experienced opponents and not allowing a single shot on target.

Bullets introduced Mike Mkwate and Yamikani Mologeni at the restart in place of Ephraim Kondowe and Henry Chiwaya, hoping to inject creativity into their play.

However, it was the visitors’ goalkeeper, Brighton Munthali, who continued to shine, denying Kajoke in the 53rd minute after a swift counter.

Kajoke missed another big opportunity in the 56th minute, and set-pieces continued to yield no reward for the home side.

CRECK made a triple substitution in the 61st minute, with Frank Phiri, Isaac Msiska, and Hassan Hussein entering the fray replacing Fatayo Bayo, Babangida Ishaya and Anorld Son Kiyama.

CRECK made final changes in the 77th minute when they introduced Akuzike Lifa

Patrick Mupanzi for Stain Patrick and George Chaomba.

Bullets responded by bringing on Babatunde Adepoju and Maxwell Phodo Gasten for Hassan Kajoke and Yankho Singo in the 81st minute.

Tensions flared as Munthali received a yellow card in the 82nd minute for time wasting.

Despite relentless pressure, Bullets could not convert their chances.

They won multiple corners in the closing stages, but each was either wasted or claimed by Munthali.

CRECK remained resolute, with Chilipa and captain Hadji Wali marshalling the defense superbly.

A yellow card to Ademola Ajibola for simulation added to the drama in stoppage time, but the deadlock remained intact as the final whistle blew.

Despite failing to get a win at home, Bullets coach Peter Mponda has expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and optimism for a win in the return leg.

“It was an improved performance. It’s only that we did not score goals, but we bossed possession, we controlled everything, we created chances. I am very happy with the performance. If only we will not train or if teams have stopped winning away games, you can rule us out. But with the way we played, I am very happy,” said Mponda.

On the other hand Joseph Kamwendo, CRECK Sporting Club coach, was all smiles to manage an away draw and said his team will fight for everything to win the return leg, which will be played in their backyard.

“It was a game of two halves. We played well in the first half; we created half chances which we did not convert. In the second, we started defending too early and too deep, which has resulted in a goalless draw. But I think we can take this result into the second leg. For us, we have a bit of an advantage because we will be playing at home,” explained a jovial-looking Kamwendo.

The result sets up a decisive second leg where both teams will look to edge ahead. For Bullets, questions will be asked about their profligacy, while CRECK will be buoyed by their impressive showing away from home.

Action in the top 8 continues next week with the other three first leg quarterfinals lined up. On Saturday Mighty Wanderers will host Karonga at Kamuzu Stadium while the follwing day Mzuzu City Hammers will face Civo at Mzuzu Stadium. On Monday two time winners Silver Strikers will be at home against Moyale Barracks.