FCB Nyasa Big Bullets first assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa has warned against complacency ahead of this afternoon’s FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal clash with Kamuzu Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium, insisting that cup competitions are unpredictable regardless of past results.
The People’s Team will battle the Lilongwe-based Yellow Submarines for a place in the tournament’s semifinals, with both heavyweights eager to keep their trophy ambitions alive.
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While statistics heavily favor Bullets—who have won 20 of 33 meetings against KB since 2011, with only five losses and eight draws—Chirwa emphasized that previous encounters hold little weight in knockout football.
“Beating them 4-0 in the league is not what will happen on Saturday. This is a cup game, totally different from a league match. The approach has to be serious,” Chirwa said during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
KB’s last competitive victory over Bullets came in 2019 when Ndaona Daisi scored the only goal in Lilongwe. Their other recent wins were in 2016 through Harvey Nkacha’s strike and in 2014 via Manase Chiyesa’s goal.
“Cup battles tell different story”
The quarterfinal encounter is particularly intriguing because the two sides rarely meet in cup competitions. They have faced off just three times previously in knockout tournaments, with KB stunning Bullets in the 2013 Carlsberg Cup. Bullets have since won their last two cup meetings—on penalties in the 2017 Carlsberg Cup and 2-0 in the 2024 Airtel Top 8 Cup.
“We have told the players to stay focused from the first whistle and to make the most of every chance we create. We know cup games are never easy, but we have reminded the boys to stay disciplined and take this game seriously,” Chirwa added.
“Bullets, KB in contrasting form”
Bullets head into Saturday’s encounter in scintillating form, having won six consecutive matches across all competitions. Their recent victories include league wins over Chitipa United, Songwe United, Dedza Dynamos and Silver Strikers, plus cup triumphs against Chilumba Barracks and The Boyz.
The defending champions have reached the final of every cup competition they’ve contested since suffering a quarterfinal exit to Silver Strikers in 2021, and will be determined to secure their fourth consecutive FDH Bank Cup semifinal berth.
In stark contrast, Kamuzu Barracks arrive in poor form, failing to win in regulation time in their last four outings. The Yellow Submarines needed penalties to overcome second-tier side Bangwe All Stars after a 1-1 draw in the previous cup round, and have since lost to Dedza Dynamos and Civil Service United before drawing 2-2 with Marco FC.
Despite KB’s struggles, Chirwa acknowledged the challenge posed by the army side’s physical approach.
“We are meeting a physical team—all army teams are physical—but we are ready for them. We know the plans. We are aware that it won’t be easy, but we have a team that can handle the challenge,” he said.
“We are very happy with the way the boys are responding in training. We are not going to base our approach on previous meetings. It’s a cup game and anything can happen.”
The winner will advance to the semifinals as both teams chase silverware in one of Malawian football’s premier knockout competitions.
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