“Ready under the lights” Oscar Kaunda dismisses pre-match alibis

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The stage is set for a historic clash in the Airtel Top 8 Cup, as Karonga United prepares to face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a semi-final encounter that will not only test their mettle but also their adaptability.

Scheduled for an 18:00 kick-off on Saturday at Bingu National Stadium, this will mark only the second local football match played under floodlights, casting a unique challenge for the ‘Ingwina’ from the North.

The announcement of the evening kick-off raised immediate concerns for Karonga United. Their General Secretary, Ramsey Simwaka, swiftly penned a request to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), highlighting their players’ unfamiliarity with night games.

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“We will need three days to train at Bingu National Stadium during night so that our players get used to playing under the lights. They are yet to play during night,” Simwaka articulated to Timveni Online, saying the team need crucial acclimatization.

FAM, demonstrating a commendable responsiveness, granted Karonga United two crucial night training sessions. The Ingwina commenced their nocturnal drills on Thursday and are scheduled for a final session tonight, Friday, before the momentous showdown on Saturday evening.

Despite the initial apprehension, Karonga United’s Head Coach, Oscar Tindiki Kaunda, exudes a pragmatic confidence.

“Playing during night hours will not be an excuse should we lose the game or win the game. We will accept the result regardless of the kickoff,” Kaunda stated, dismissing any pre-match alibis. He further reassured, “The players are seeing well and they are able to pass to each other well, no one is seeing shadows.”

His words reflect a focus on performance rather than external conditions, a mindset echoed by Peter Mponda earlier on Thursday, who dismissed kickoff concerns as a “non-issue” in 2025, stating that modern clubs should be accustomed to such conditions.

Karonga United’s journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of spectacular. They orchestrated a remarkable comeback against Mighty Wanderers, overcoming a 1-0 away deficit from the April 19th first leg. While former frontman Blessings Mwalilino dealt them a blow, it was Alfred Chizinga who emerged as the hero in the April 27th return leg, netting a sensational brace to complete the turnaround and secure their spot.

On the other side, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets navigated past CRECK Sporting Club, a side fresh off their maiden elite league season. The first leg on April 12th at Kamuzu Stadium saw CRECK push Bullets to their limits in what also served as the official kickoff match of the Cup. Bullets ultimately found their breakthrough in the April 25th return leg, courtesy of a decisive Maxwell Gasten Phodo header.