FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are heading to their sixth Airtel Top 8 final since 2017 after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Karonga United on Saturday, June 21, at Bingu National Stadium. Goals from Chikumbutso Salima in the 26th minute and Hassan Kajoke in the 64th minute secured the win for the Red Army, nullifying Robert Luhanga’s 53rd-minute equalizer for Karonga.
Despite the crucial win, Bullets coach Mponda expressed concerns about his team’s defensive performance. “Defensively, we were very shaky. We gave room to Karonga,” Mponda admitted. He acknowledged that Karonga United’s profligacy in front of goal, including Allen Chihana’s missed one-on-one opportunity in the 17th minute, prevented a potentially different outcome.
“We were just so good in midfield and upfront that we managed to convert the little we created,” he added, crediting his players for navigating a tough match and securing a spot in the final.
Interestingly, despite Mponda’s critique of the defense, Bullets’ defender Blessings Mpokera was named “Dolo Wa Masewero” (Man of the Match). This might seem contradictory, but Mponda clarified his rationale.
“It shows that our opponents were better going forward in creating chances, but their poor finishing let them down,” Mponda explained. He highlighted Mpokera’s crucial interventions: “Some big chances were intercepted by Mpokera, which helped us not to concede many goals, and Mpokera deserved the award.” Mpokera is enjoying a strong run of form this 2025/26 season.
Mponda also commended his counterpart, Oscar Tindic Kaunda, for building a strong Karonga United side, sympathizing with him for not always getting the results they deserve.
Bullets, the defending champions, are now awaiting their opponent in the final. They will face the winner of today’s Lilongwe derby between Silver Strikers and Civil Service United, which kicks off at 3:00 PM CAT at Bingu National Stadium. The Red Army is chasing their fourth Airtel Top 8 title in just eight seasons, having clinched last year’s cup with a 1-0 victory over Silver Strikers, thanks to an Ernest Petro head
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