FCB Nyasa Big Bullets secured their place in the FDH Bank Cup semi-finals after edging past Kamuzu Barracks 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The People’s Team claimed the third semi-final berth and now await a potential Blantyre Derby, depending on Sunday’s quarter-final result between Creck Sporting Club and Mighty Wanderers at Champions Stadium.
The match exploded into life with three goals in a dramatic four-minute spell during the first half. Ephraim Kondowe broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a well-placed header from Peter Banda’s pinpoint cross. Just sixty seconds later, Bullets doubled their advantage when Kondowe turned provider, setting up Hassan Kajoke to make it 2-0.
However, Geoffrey Sumani pulled one back for the soldiers in the 38th minute, ensuring a tense second half as Bullets took a slender lead into the break.
The hosts started brightly, with midfielder Peter Banda orchestrating play from the center of the park. He created early opportunities for Bright Munthali in the 10th minute and Kondowe shortly after, but both strikers failed to convert.
Kamuzu Barracks showed their threat when Olson Kanjira forced goalkeeper Chimbamba into a crucial save in the 15th minute. Banda’s corner kicks caused problems for the visitors, with Blessings Mpokera attempting an acrobatic bicycle kick and Kondowe heading over the bar as Bullets pressed for the opener.
Bullets manager made tactical changes at halftime, introducing Mike Mkwate and Wongani Lungu for Munthali and Frank Willard. Despite the substitutions, it was KB who dominated the second period, creating numerous chances through Zeliat Nkhoma and Kanjira, who repeatedly threatened the Bullets goal.
KB coach responded with his own changes, bringing on John Mchema for Sam Chipanda and Sam Gunda for Gerald Chirwa. Kanjira blasted over the bar just after the hour mark, while Nkhoma forced another save from Chimbamba.
Bullets brought on Yamikani Mologeni and Maxwell Gasten Phodo for Kondowe and Banda as they looked to see out the match. KB’s final throw of the dice saw Zinjani Yonah replace Kanjira, but Bullets held firm to secure their passage to the semi-finals.
“Post-Match Reactions”
Assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa acknowledged the contrasting nature of the two halves but expressed satisfaction with the result.
“It feels good to reach the fourth straight semi-final place in the FDH Bank Cup. It’s in our DNA, but the battle is still on. We will have to fight to win the trophy, so we will work hard for it,” said Chirwa.
Kamuzu Barracks coach Nicolas Mhango lamented his side’s wastefulness in front of goal.
“We missed over seven chances, which pains me now. Those goals came too quickly, and it proved hard for us to fully recover. We have accepted the defeat,” Mhango said.
This marks the fourth consecutive time Bullets have reached the FDH Bank Cup semi-finals. They won the competition in the previous two editions before losing to Blue Eagles in last season’s final.
Bullets join Silver Strikers and Civil Service United, who will contest the first semi-final. The People’s Team will face either Creck Sporting Club or Mighty Wanderers, who meet on Sunday at Champions Stadium to determine the fourth semi-finalist.
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