*EKHAYA STUN BULLETS WITH VALUABLE AWAY GOAL*

Ekhaya FC secured a valuable away goal in the first leg of the Airtel Top 8 quarterfinals after forcing defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to a 1-1 draw on their debut. The match was played at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.

The Cowboys found themselves trailing a minute into the second half after George Chaomba struck for Bullets. Ekhaya struggled in the first half, but Allen Chihana grabbed the equalizer in the 70th minute to force a draw.

The team also had two penalty shouts turned down by the referee as James Lumbe and Chimwemwe Chunga were both fouled when they dominated the final 25 minutes.

Head coach Enos Chatama hailed his players for their massive performance.

“It is a good result for us, but the game is still on. We can get a draw in the first game and lose in the second because Bullets are a big team, so we cannot get carried away with this result,” said Chatama.

He however dismissed claims of poor officiating

saying referees can make decisions that do not favor a team on one day and can improve on another.

Ekhaya will carry the away goal into the second leg at their home ground, Mpira Stadium, when the two sides meet again next month in Blantyre.