Former Chipolopolo Coach Denied Winning Start As Quarter-Final Remains Wide Open
Wedson Nyirenda’s reign at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets began with a draw after his side were held 1-1 by Ekhaya FC in the first leg of the Airtel Top 8 quarter-final played at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Zambian tactician, who recently took charge of the Malawian giants, was hoping to oversee a winning start following his appointment. However, his new team was unable to hold onto their advantage despite taking an early lead in the second half.
Bullets Searching For Consistency
Nyirenda arrived at the club with a clear mission of improving results after a run of inconsistent performances.
Before his appointment, Bullets had managed only two victories from six league matches while drawing four times, a sequence that raised concerns about the team’s momentum.
The former Chipolopolo coach had previously stated that frequent draws can negatively affect players’ confidence and pledged to help the club rediscover its winning mentality.
Chaomba Gives Hosts The Lead
Bullets made the perfect start to the second half when George Chaomba found the back of the net just one minute after the restart.
The forward reacted well to finish off a move involving Maxwell Phodo, giving the home side a deserved advantage and putting them in control of the contest.
The goal appeared to put Nyirenda’s men on course for victory as they looked to carry their lead through to the final whistle.
Ekhaya Respond To Earn Valuable Draw
The visitors refused to back down and eventually found their equaliser midway through the second half.
Allen Chihana struck in the 70th minute to level matters and secure an important away result for Ekhaya FC.
His goal ensured the quarter-final tie remains finely balanced heading into the return leg scheduled for July 11 in Blantyre.
Assistant Coach Addresses Media
Although Nyirenda was present on the touchline throughout the match, reserve team coach Heston Munthali handled post-match media duties.
Munthali admitted disappointment with his side’s second-half performance, particularly after taking the lead.
He noted that Bullets created numerous opportunities throughout the match but failed to convert enough of them into goals.
Focus Shifts To Second Leg
The Bullets technical bench now faces the task of preparing the squad for the decisive return fixture.
Despite the draw, the defending Airtel Top 8 champions remain firmly in contention and will look to make home advantage count in the second leg.
For Nyirenda, the result may not have delivered the perfect start he had hoped for, but it provides a platform from which to continue building as he begins his latest coaching chapter in Malawi.
