FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will face Karonga United in the first semifinal of the Airtel Top 8 Season 8 on Saturday evening under floodlights at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe.
The match kicks off at 18:00hrs, marking Bullets’ second night game at the facility and Karonga’s first under floodlights at the national stadium.
For Karonga, it is also a return to Bingu National Stadium in a cup competition after a six-year absence.
The Northern Region side booked their semifinal slot by eliminating Mighty Wanderers with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Bullets, under coach Peter Mponda, advanced to the semifinals after a 1-0 aggregate win over Creck Sporting Club.
This will be the third meeting between Bullets and Karonga in the Airtel Top 8.
The two sides previously clashed in the 2022 quarterfinals where Bullets thrashed Karonga 7-0 at home and drew 1-1 away, progressing with an 8-1 aggregate—Karonga’s heaviest defeat in the competition’s history.
Karonga United’s Airtel Top 8 history
- 2019: Reached the final, losing 1-0 to Silver Strikers at BNS (goal by Khuda Muyaba).In the semifinal they beat Mzuni FC 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw. In the quarterfinal they progressed on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw against TN Stars.
- 2022: Eliminated in the quarterfinals by Bullets (8-1 aggregate).
Bullets Airtel Top 8 track record
- 2017 – In the inaugural season of Zamadolo, Bullets faced Silver Strikers in the quarters. It ended in a narrow 1-0 loss in the first leg and goalless in the return leg, for the Red Army to bow out early.
- 2018 – After a 1-0 aggregate win over Moyale Barracks in the quarter final, Bullets edged out their traditional rivals Wanderers 2-1 in the semis at BNS, thanks to goals from Chiukepo Msowoya and Bright Munthali. The People’s team lost the final to Blue Eagles in a controversy, through a last minute penalty scored by Stuart Mbunge and Bullets were banned for one year following the fan unrest at the facility.
- 2020/21 – Bullets smashed MAFCO 5-1 in two legged quarters before punishing their neighbors Wanderers 4-1 in the semis with Babatunde Adepoju’s masterclass. They won the title for the first time after beating Silver Strikers 5-4 on penalties after in regulation time ended 1-1.
- 2022- Bullets tore Karonga 8-1 on aggregate in the quarters and outclassed the Central Bankers 3-1 in the semis. They lost to Wanderers 5-4 on post match penalties after a goalless draw at the iconic BNS.
- 2023 – They defeated Civil Service United 3-2 in the quarterfinal,defeated Blue Eagles 3-2 in the semis and beat MAFCO 2-1 in the final.
- 2024 – Bullets started the defence with a 2-0 win over Civil and goalless in the second leg; they advanced and beat Kamuzu Barracks 2-0 in the semifinal. In the final, they beat two time champions Silver 1-0, a goal scored on 71st minute through a Enerst Petro’s header.
Ahead of today’s match, Bullets gaffer, Peter Mponda said the team is ready to defend the title.
“We are well prepared as defending champions. The squad is in good shape, and apart from Chrispin Mapemba—who is still recovering from a long-term injury—everyone is available. Karonga are a compact, organized side, dangerous on the wings. We can’t afford to underestimate them. I’m happy with how the boys responded after our derby loss. We showed character against Mighty Tigers and want to build on that performance,” said Mponda.
His counterpart Oscar Kaunda said despite playing for the first time under floodlights, they are in high spirits and want to reach the final.
“Our preparations are at an advanced stage. We’ve already trained under floodlights at the stadium. Our goal is to reach the final. We respect Bullets but are not afraid. We are fearless,” he said.
Football analysts Pearson Kanjuzi and John Mutepuwa agree that Karonga must quickly adapt to playing under floodlights.
“Bullets players are more familiar with floodlight matches, which could give them a slight edge,” Kanjuzi said.
“However, this alone won’t determine the outcome. Karonga are resilient, and anything is possible,”Mutepuwa said.
So far, Bullets are the most successful club of the nine year old tournament, playing 23 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding 13.
They have three titles, followed by Silver (two), and Wanderers and Blue Eagles with one each.
The second semifinal is a capital city derby between Civil Service United and Silver on Sunday.
By Praise Majawa
