Airtel Top 8 debutants Creck Sporting produced a disciplined and spirited display to hold defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to a goalless draw in a rain-soaked opening encounter at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
The highly anticipated 2025 Airtel Top 8 opener kicked off under wet conditions, with Bullets asserting early dominance.
The hosts came close to an opener in the 4th minute but Creck goalkeeper Brighton Munthali was quick to tame the effort.
Despite controlling possession and winning multiple set pieces—five free kicks in the first 16 minutes alone—Bullets struggled to break down a resolute Creck defence.
As the game progressed, the newcomers began to grow into the contest, launching swift counter-attacks through Aaron Chilipa and George Chaomba.
Chaomba nearly shocked the home crowd in the 40th minute when his effort forced a fine save from Bullets’ keeper, resulting in a corner kick and hinting at Creck’s intent to upset the odds.
Bullets’ backline remained solid, but their frontline faltered, failing to register a single shot on target in the first half.
With light rain continuing into the second half, Bullets introduced Mike Mkwate and Yamikani Mologeni in a bid to energise their attack.
The substitutions sparked some momentum, and in the 52nd minute, a corner kick led to a golden opportunity for Hassan Kajoke—again thwarted by Munthali, who was in inspired form.
Creck responded with a triple substitution, injecting fresh legs as Frank Phiri, Isaac Msiska, and Hassan Hussein entered the fray.
Despite Bullets’ pressure, Creck held their shape, with midfielder Lloyd Aaron impressing as he broke up play and frustrated the hosts.
In the 81st minute, Bullets brought on Babatunde Adepoju and Maxwell Phodo in search of a breakthrough, but the stalemate persisted.
Munthali received the game’s only yellow card in the 82nd minute for time-wasting, a testament to Creck’s tactical approach to protecting the draw.
In the tense final minutes, Bullets mounted a series of attacks and won several set pieces, but Creck stood firm to earn a memorable result.
Above: Bullets v Creck SC Highlights (Source: Bullets Media)
Speaking after the match, Bullets coach Peter Mponda remained optimistic despite the draw.
“It was a good performance—we created many chances. We’ll come out stronger in the second leg and aim for a positive result,” Mponda said, looking ahead to the return fixture set for Wednesday, 15 April 2025.
Creck head coach Joseph Kamwendo praised his side’s first-half effort but acknowledged they struggled after the break.
“We started well, but our second half was poor. Still, getting a draw away gives us an advantage. We’re playing at home next, and we’ll take the game to them,” Kamwendo declared.
At the end of the match, Llyod Aaron of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets was awarded as the Man of the Match.
President of the Football Association of Malawi, Fleetwood Haiya, on his Facebook Page, described the opener as exciting.
This year’s Airtel Top 8 competition comes with an increased prize pool, as Airtel Malawi announced a bump from K30 million to K35 million.
Teams will now receive K3 million in participation fees—up from K2.5 million—while runners-up will walk away with K12 million, up from K10 million.
According to Norah Chavula-Chirwa, Airtel’s Head of Brand & Public Relations, the adjustments are aimed at improving the tournament’s competitiveness and rewarding club efforts.
The action continues next weekend, with Mighty Mukuru Wanderers taking on Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium on 19 April.
The following day, Mzuzu City Hammers face Civil Service United at Mzuzu Stadium, while Silver Strikers will host Moyale Barracks at Silver Stadium on 21 April.
By Romeo Umali and Praise Majawa
