FDH Bank Premiership: VAR row overshadows Bullets' 0-0 draw

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were held to a 0-0 draw by Luanar Mitundu at Dedza Stadium on Sunday, with a controversial decision in a VAR-less match overshadowing the result. The stalemate leaves Bullets fourth in the FDH Bank Premiership with 27 points from 14 matches.

The main flashpoint came in the 32nd minute. Several Bullets players stopped after an assistant referee appeared to flag a foul on Daah Rashid, but referee Idrissah Matola allowed play to continue. Luanar’s Rahim Mtondera moved into the space and ran through on goal, only for Innocent Nyasulu to make an important one-on-one save.

Bullets coach Wedson Nyirenda protested angrily and received a yellow card. The visitors had begun the match with more attacking intent, including an early Blessings Mpokera header that went wide and a chance for Daah Rashid that was kept out by Luanar goalkeeper Emmanuel Kanthiti.

Kanthiti was also tested when Misheck Billiat met a Yamikani Mologeni free-kick after the goalkeeper had moved away from his line, but Billiat’s attempt missed the target. Billiat was later booked for putting the ball into the net while play was stopped for treatment to Kanthiti.

Bullets pushed for a winner after the interval. Nyirenda introduced Maxwell Phodo for Chawanangwa Gumbo in the 59th minute, while Clever Kalambo forced another save from Kanthiti soon afterwards. Madalitso Safuli, brought on for Ephraim Kondowe, then sent a promising free-kick over the bar.

Luanar made several substitutions and increasingly defended deeper as Bullets searched for an opening. Sean McBrams replaced Kalambo late on, but the home side’s defence survived further pressure and a late free-kick. Five minutes of added time produced no breakthrough, leaving both teams with a point.

The draw extended Bullets’ run of clean sheets to three, while they have conceded only seven goals this season. Their defensive record remains strong, but the failure to score against Luanar means their attacking problems continue to limit their progress near the top of the table.