FCB Nyasa Big Bullets has become the first team to reach 2023 Airtel Top 8 final after beating Blue Eagles 2-3 at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.
In a highly contested match, the People’s team took the lead after just six minutes through Hassan Kajoke who used his pace after receiving the ball from Patrick Mwaungulu to beat Eagles defence before released a thunderous shot into the net.
In a similar fashion, Bullets extended the lead two minutes later through Nkhoma. Blue Eagles were pressing for an equalizer and got two back to back corners but after an excellent clearance by Senaji, Bullets launched a hurricane counterattack through Mwaungulu who released Nkhoma and the young winger outpaced Blue Eagles defenders before slotting home.
Bullets continued to use counterattacks and could have increased their lead inside 30 minutes but Chawanangwa Gumbo and Kajoke missed their chances.
The Eagles started reorganizing themselves and they created some chances in the final minutes of the first half but goal accuracy was the main problem.
The Area 30 outfit had their last attempt on 38 minutes when Jacob Robert long range shot from freekick was tipped over the bar by Rabson Chienda.
After the recess, Blue Eagles introduced Christopher Gototo for Tonic Viyuyi and the change helped them to improve as Gototo pulled one back from Richard Lapson cross after 52 minutes of play.
The goal energized Blue Eagles who took full control of the match but still were unable to convert the chances they created.
Midway in second half Bullets introduced four players in Nickson Nyasulu, Ephraim Kondowe, Stanley Billiat and Precious Phiri who replaced Lanjesi Nkhoma, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Hassan Kajoke and Peter Banda.
With 10 minutes to wind up the match, Kondowe extended the lead to 3-1 after connecting Alick Lungu’s pass but the deficit was reduced again one minute later after Gomezgani Chirwa’s blunder helped Lapson to make it 2-3.
With two minutes to go Bullets were reduced to 10 men after Blessings Mpokera was shown red card but the score line remained the same until full time.
This is the third time in a row for Bullets to reach Airtel Top 8 final. They won the trophy in 2021 before losing it in the final against Wanderers last year.
Even though Bullets are in final, but Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers are yet to face off in the second leg of the competition as their case is still under FAM disciplinary committee haring.
The winner between Nomads and Bankers will face MAFCO in the semi final that will produce Bullets’ opponent in the final.
