FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have secured their spot in the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Cup final with a narrow 2-1 victory over Karonga United.
There was pomp and color under the floodlights of Bingu National Stadium (BNS), where people from all walks of life braved the chilly weather to witness the first-ever evening match in the tournament.
The match began with both teams seeking control through their centre midfielders immediately after the opening whistle.
Bullet’s head coach, Peter Mponda, made five changes, including the notable return of winger Peter Banda, who came back from a two-year knee injury.
Banda and Lloyd Aaron immediately established control of possession for the Palestinians, while Karonga aimed to catch Bullets on the counterattack within the first 5 minutes of the match.
In the 7th minute, Banda took a free kick on the right corner of the eighteen-yard box, but Babatunde Adepoju’s header went over the bar. This emerged to be the first chance of the match and for the people’s team.
A few moments later, Karonga United’s Patrick Phiri was brought down in a rare attack, resulting in a free kick. But Phiri wasted it after sending the ball over the bar.
It never took time for the Ingwinyas to create another chance as Phiri sent a through ball in the 16th minute, eyeing Allen Chihana, who failed to score in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.
Perhaps this was the time Bullets established loops at the northern region outfit. The team took a lead through Chikumbutso Salima’s commanding header from Peter Banda’s precise free-kick, setting the tone for a fiercely contested game.
This changed the tune as Bullets were now in control of the ball and sniffing for another pot to cook yet another goal. In the 28th minute, Henry Chiwaya pulled off a sprinting shot that ended up being intercepted by goalkeeper Mwale.
The missed chances forced Karonga head coach Oscar Taulo to implore an early substitution, taking in Robert Luhanga in place of Soulos Moyo.
Two minutes later, Mponda made his first substitution, which saw the electrifier Blessings Joseph and Peter Banda paving the way for Chawanangwa Gumbo and Yamikani Mologeni before the referee blew his whistle to end the first half.
The second half saw Karonga United renewing its intentions as they pushed for an equalizer.
It was at the same spot, in a similar fashion, when Karonga United’s Robert Luhanga scored to keep the game level.
The ball was originated from Phiri’s free kick in the 35th minute.
However, Hassan Kajoke’s clinical finish following a clever pass from Chawanangwa Gumbo restored Bullets’ lead in the 64th minute.
Then Taulo made a double substitution, instantly roping in Henry Chiwawa and Frank Willard for Edward Thenga.
The tactic did not yield anything as it only established strength in the midfielder while lacking effective contact finish.
At some point, Salima was taken down in the box, and Bullets fans were calling for a penalty, which was later denied by the referee.
In an interview, Mponda said it was not an easy game, but the players’ consistency made it possible.
“It was a tough game. Karonga is a good team, and normally, it gives us a tough time. But we are glad we have won, and we have made it through to the finals,” he said, Mponda.
His counterpart, Taulo, said, “We cannot blame the players; we just haven’t been licensed.”
Meanwhile, Blessings Mpokera has been voted player of the match.
Ultimately, this sealed victory has set up a final clash against the winner of the match between Silver Strikers and Civil Service United on Sunday.
