FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have admitted feeling the heat at the top of the TNM Super League after suffering a damaging 2–0 defeat to Creck Sporting Club at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji on Sunday.
Meanwhile, title rivals Mighty Wanderers missed a chance to go top after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Chitipa United at Chitipa Stadium.
The results leave the title race wide open.
However, Bullets still lead with 56 points—level with second-placed Wanderers, who have a game in hand. The two giants are separated only by goal difference: Bullets boast +34, while Wanderers sit on +28.
Assistant Coach Gilbert Chirwa admitted the pressure is real but not unusual.
“There is always pressure whenever you are playing football, especially in the Super League. Pressure is with the teams on the bottom and up there,” Chirwa said.
He added that drawing level with Wanderers is familiar territory.
“It is not our first time to be tied with Wanderers. The loss is a lesson to us, we shall sit down with the boys and see where we did good and where we did bad,” he said.
On the other side, Wanderers Coach Bob Mpinganjira was disappointed not to collect maximum points.
“The league is now difficult because everyone is fighting. Others are battling relegation, and others want to move up the standings. Let us now forge ahead on what comes next when we face Mzuzu City Hammers,” he said.
Defending champions Silver Strikers also tightened the chase after a late 1–0 victory over Civil Service United at CIVO Stadium, courtesy of Innocent Shema’s 86th-minute strike.
The Central Bankers have played 23 games so far, two fewer than Bullets and one fewer than Wanderers.
Silver’s Assistant Coach Mapopa Msukwa insists the race is far from over.
“We will fight to the end. For us, we have that confidence that we are going to defend this league,” Msukwa said.
How Creck dismantled Bullet
Creck Sporting came into the match with intent, immediately putting Bullets under pressure through striker Ramadhan Ntafu.
Their first real chance came in the 21st minute when Harvey Nasiyaya slipped a superb through ball to Gift Kadawati, whose effort flew over the bar.
One minute later, Bullets suffered an early blow as midfielder Wongani Lungu limped off, replaced by Bright Munthali.
Bullets pushed back in the 26th minute when Chawanangwa Gumbo drove through midfield and set up Peter Banda—only for Banda to fire over the bar.
A water break in the 30th minute slowed the intensity, giving Creck a chance to reorganise defensively. Their shape held firm, especially when Talandira Chigaula cleared a dangerous Yamikani Mologeni cross intended for Babatunde Adepoju.
Creck thought they had taken the lead in the 34th minute, but Kadawati’s finish was ruled out for offside.
They threatened again in the 43rd minute, but Nasiyaya’s strong low shot was saved by Bullets keeper Innocent Nyasulu.
Second-Half onslaught
After the break, Coach Eliyah Kananji introduced George Chaomba—an inspired change. Chaomba made an immediate impact, rising above Bullets defenders to head home … 1-0 and ignite the stadium.
Bullets responded with changes of their own, bringing on Yankho Singo and Ephraim Kondowe.
By the 60th minute, they began pushing forward, with Chrispin Mapemba attempting to release Babatunde, though the forward struggled to connect.
But Creck punished Bullets again in the 62nd minute.
Chaomba turned provider, setting up Jackson Beza, who fired home for 2–0, sending supporters into a wild celebration.
Another water break at 70 minutes preceded Bullets’ introduction of Dominic Musonda.
He made his mark nine minutes later, threading a clever pass to Kajoke, who delivered a cross to an unmarked Kondowe—only for Creck keeper Emmance Nyirenda to produce a brilliant save.
Creck sealed control of the game in the final minutes, introducing Kondwani Chilembwe and Ademola Ismail to protect their lead. They nearly added a third in stoppage time through Chilembwe, who fired wide.
Chaomba walked away with the Man of the Match award.
Coach Kananji praised his team’s discipline and ambition.
“They did what I told them and managed to beat [Bullets] for the first time. We had 30 points, and now we have 33 points,” he said.
Creck now sit 9th.
Elsewhere in the League. In Dedza: Goshen City Dedza Dynamos edged MAFCO 2–1, with goals from George Mboma (11’) and Chifuniro Mpinganjira (53’). MAFCO replied through Chifundo Molosoni (56’).
Dedza Dynamos sit 11th with 30 points from 27 games, while MAFCO are 13th with 28 points.
In the North: Ekhaya FC, enjoying a strong debut season, secured a 1–0 win over Karonga United thanks to God’swill Kanyika’s 18th-minute strike.
Ekhaya are now 5th with 39 points from 24 games; Karonga sit 4th with 40 from 25.
Bottom Three:
16. Songwe Border United – 6 pts (26 games)
15. Mzuzu City Hammers – 24 pts
14. Mighty Tigers – 26 pts
League action returns on Wednesday as Silver Strikers will host Kamuzu Barracks, while Moyale Barracks face Ekhaya at Mzuzu Stadium.
Civil Service United take on Dedza Dynamos at CIVO Stadium, MAFCO meet the relegated Songwe Border United, and Chitipa United will be up against Mighty Tigers.
