FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are through to the Airtel Top 8 final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a spirited Karonga United in a pulsating semi-final clash at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday, June 21. They have reached their 6th final on the bounce.
Goals from Chikumbutso Salima and Hassan Kajoke secured the People’s Team’s spot, despite a second-half equalizer from Karonga substitute Robert Luhanga. The match was brimming with chances and drama, particularly highlighting Karonga’s missed opportunities.
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The game kicked off with early promise for Bullets, who nearly took the lead just seven minutes in when a free-kick found Babatunde unmarked, but his header sailed over the bar. Karonga swiftly responded with two free kicks of their own, though they failed to capitalize.
The Northern Region side then squandered a golden opportunity in the 17th minute when Allen Chihana found himself one-on-one with Bullets’ goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba, only to fire directly at him—a costly miss that set the tone for Karonga’s evening.
Despite Karonga’s energetic play and resilience on the counter, Bullets broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Peter Banda, who later left the field due to injury, delivered a superb curling cross from the right, which Salima met with a firm header to give Bullets a deserved lead.
Bullets immediately intensified their pressure after the goal. Karonga, however, continued to create chances, with Patrick Phiri testing Chimbamba just after the half-hour mark, forcing a good save. Bullets then had to make an early substitution as Banda was replaced by Yamikani Mologeni, while Karonga brought on Robert Luhanga for Saulosi Moyo.
Karonga emerged from the break with renewed vigor and were rewarded for their persistence in the 53rd minute. Phiri, a constant threat from set-pieces, whipped in a low free-kick that Luhanga neatly turned into the net, the substitute making an instant impact to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer briefly ignited Karonga’s hopes, but their momentum was short-lived. In the 64th minute, Bullets struck again. Chawananga Gumbo delivered a smart cross, which Kajoke calmly slotted home with a composed finish inside the box, restoring Bullets’ lead.
As the match progressed, tempers flared, resulting in three yellow cards within ten minutes: Phiri and Karonga captain Pilirani Thulu for fouls, and Bullets’ Henry Chiwaya for simulation.
Both coaches made tactical changes in search of control and fresh legs. Bullets introduced Edward Thengo and Wongani Lungu, while Karonga responded with Zikani Mponda Munthali and Kennedy Mwakabaghe in the 81st minute.
Despite a late push and three minutes of added time, Karonga could not find a second equalizer. Their story remained one of missed chances and what might have been. Kajoke was eventually replaced by Ernest Petro in the final moments as Bullets sought to shore up their defense, a tactic that paid off as they successfully held on for the win.
At full-time, Bullets’ victory was sealed not only with a place in the final but also with defender Blessings Mpokera earning the Player of the Match award for his commanding performance at the back.
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