Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were on Saturday 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.