Malawi’s champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets can afford a sign of relief following their Airtel Top 8 Cup victory over league leaders, Silver Strikers in Lilongwe on Saturday.
After winning everything last year, Bullets plunged into the wilderness this year as they failed to defend FDH Bank Cup and almost gave away the league as they sit third on the table—10 points behind Silver.
Pressure was mounting in Bullets camp following the dismal performance.
On the paper, Bullets had few chances to win the match as Silver are without a loss in the league after playing 24 games.
Also, Bullets have never won the Airtel Top 8 Cup at Bingu, they lost to Blue Eagles in 2018 before losing again to their rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in 2022.
“My Boys Failed To Convert Chances”- Mponda
Despite their 1-0 victory yesterday, it was Silver who dominated play but failed to utilize their chances until at 71 minutes when midfielder Ernest Petro headed home a lovely cross delivered by left back Alick Lungu.
After the match, Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa who has been appointed as Malawi Men’s Football team interim coach, was a happy man as he defended the trophy.
“As you know we started the season badly, losing games which were disappointing to our fans. However, we regrouped again and finally we have defended the trophy,” said Pasuwa.
His assistant at the national team Peter Mponda said his boys failed to utilize chances as they gifted Bullets with a goal.
Bullets is the first team to defend the trophy and also the first team to win the trophy for a third time .
They won it in 2021, 2023 and this year. Silver has won it three times, in 2017 and 2019.
Bullets have won the trophy without conceding, they defeated Civil Service United 2-0 on aggregate before hammering Kamuzu Barracks 2-0 with a 1-0 win in the final.
