Bullets held at Dedza as VAR-less controversy overshadows stalemate with Luanar

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Luanar Mitundu in a tense FDH Bank Premiership clash at Dedza Stadium on Sunday afternoon, in a match that saw both goalkeepers cover themselves in glory and a controversial refereeing decision spark fury on the touchline.

Wedson Nyirenda made just one change to the side that beat Karonga United 1-0, recalling Clever Kalambo to the starting line-up following his return from suspension, with Maxwell Phodo making way for the bench.

Bullets started the brighter of the two sides, winning an early free-kick inside three minutes after Ephraim Kondowe was hauled down in the attacking half. Yamikani Mologeni’s delivery found its way into the box, but Blessings Mpokera could only head wide when well placed.

The hosts responded moments later, advancing into the Bullets box, though Rahim Mtondera’s tame header was gathered comfortably by keeper Innocent Nyasulu.

Bullets continued to press, with Kondowe surging down the left to whip in a dangerous cross that no red shirt could reach, before Nyasulu was called into action in the 17th minute, producing a smart save to deny Daah Rashid at the other end.

Controversy erupts as officials wave off foul claim

Misheck Billiat then went close for the visitors, latching onto a Mologeni free-kick after keeper Emmanuel Kanthiti had strayed from his line, only to drag his effort narrowly wide.

The match burst into controversy in the 32nd minute when several Bullets players stopped in their tracks after the assistant referee flagged for a foul on Rashid — only for referee Idrissah Matola to wave play on, allowing Mtondera to race clean through on goal.

Nyasulu was equal to the moment, producing a superb one-on-one stop to keep the score level, before an incensed Nyirenda was shown a yellow card for angrily protesting the officials’ decision.

Three minutes later, Prince Chiumia gave away a free-kick for a foul on Precious Segula, but Luanar’s resulting effort drifted wide, before Kanthiti was forced into action again just before the break, requiring lengthy treatment after making a save from another dangerous Mologeni delivery.

Billiat was booked in the 42nd minute for cheekily knocking the ball into the net while play remained stopped for the injured keeper.

Kanthiti frustrates Bullets after the restart

The sides went into the break level, and Bullets came out firing after the interval, winning an immediate free-kick which Mologeni floated into the box — only for a well-positioned Kanthiti to gather safely.

Nyirenda turned to his bench in the 59th minute, sending on Phodo for Chawanangwa Gumbo in search of a breakthrough.

Two minutes later Kalambo tested Kanthiti from range, but the Luanar stopper produced another important save to preserve the stalemate.

The hosts hit back with fresh legs of their own, introducing Nicholas Kalondore and Charles Mbewe for Mtondera and Samson Phiri in the 64th minute, before Fletchar Bandawe was sent on for Emmanuel Nyakutepa two minutes later.

Madalitso Safuli, who had replaced Kondowe in the 66th minute, was handed a glorious set-piece opportunity shortly after coming on but blazed his effort over the crossbar.

As the match entered its final quarter, Bullets continued to search in vain for the breakthrough, with Luanar increasingly content to sit deep and soak up pressure.

Sean McBrams was introduced for Kalambo in the 78th minute, before Chiumia picked up a booking for bringing down Bandawe — though Bullets defended the resulting free-kick comfortably.

Another promising set-piece fell Luanar’s way in the 82nd minute, but the visiting backline once again stood firm.

With three minutes of normal time left, Simeon Singa was thrown on for Mbewe as the hosts searched desperately for a late winner — but despite five additional minutes being played, neither side could find the decisive touch, and the points were shared.

Bullets march on unbeaten but title rivals close in

The result leaves Bullets fourth in the table on 27 points from 14 matches, with Nyirenda’s men having now kept three successive clean sheets and conceded just seven goals all season — a defensive record that remains the envy of the division, even if their attacking cutting edge continues to desert them at crucial moments.

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