FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have cruised through the final of the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Cup after defeating Karonga United 2-1 under floodlights at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Bullets opened the scoring through Chikumbutso Salima on the 26th minute after a strong header from a Peter Banda freekick.
Initially, the opening minutes saw both sides cautiously trying to settle, with Bullets enjoying more possession while Karonga United looked to break on the counter.
The first real opportunity came in the 5th minute when Lloyd Aaron played in Babatunde Adepoju, but the striker was too slow to react, allowing the keeper to collect.
Bullets continued to threaten, with Adepoju heading over from a Peter Banda free-kick in the 7th minute, before Hasan Kajoke missed a one-on-one chance after being set up by Banda in the 13th.
Karonga United responded through Allen Chihana, who was denied by Richard Chimbamba in a key one-on-one moment in the 16th minute.
After Salima’s goal, Bullets’ Henry Chiwaya came close to doubling the advantage moments later, but his shot lacked power.
Karonga United refused to back down and came close again through Patrick Phiri and Casto Kayuni, but both efforts went begging.
Peter Banda, the first goal’s assist, making his return from injury, was instrumental throughout the half before being subbed off just before the break. He was subbed off together with Blessings Joseph for Chawanangwa Gumbo and Yamikani Mologeni.
In the second half, Karonga United had a sense of resurgence as Robert Luhanga scored similarly from a Patrick Phiri set-piece on the 52nd minute.
The game grew tense and physical, with Chiwaya booked for simulation in the 57th minute after diving in the box.
Karonga nearly took the lead through another Luhanga header in the 59th minute, but it sailed over the bar with Chimbamba caught off his line.
However, their joy was cut short as Bullets hit back just past the hour mark. Hassan Kajoke restored the lead in the 64th minute, slotting home a low cross from substitute Chawanangwa Gumbo after being left unmarked in the box.
The hosts made several substitutions to freshen up their attack, while Bullets aimed to manage the game.
In the 77th minute, Salima went down in the box, but referee Easter Zimba waved away penalty appeals from the Bullets bench.
Despite Karonga’s late changes and pressure, Bullets stood firm.
Kajoke was replaced by Ernest Petro in the dying minutes as the visitors looked to preserve their lead.
After three minutes of added time, the referee blew for full time.
Blessing Mpokera was then named man of the match.
Bullets’ Coach, Peter Mponda, said their opponents played better than them because they had created more chances than his side.
Mponda added that at the back, his charges were not good despite being firm and sharp in the midfield and attacking.
“In terms of conversion rate, our guys were very good that is why we managed to win the game. Possession-wise, we were okay, but Karonga were very organised because they knew who they were up against,” he said.
Coach for Karonga United, Oscar Kaunda, thanked his players for displaying a gallant fight.
However, Kaunda said the defeat was just a mistake which happened because of the large crowd that packed the stadium.
“They are still young, so they are just coming up, but at our training ground, we will rectify that problem. We learn little by little and we get experience through these situations,” he said.
This means Bullets awaits the victor between Silver Strikers and Civil Service United on Sunday, 22 June, 2025 at the same venue.
Bullets went into this match after edging out the tournament’s rookies, Creck Sporting 1-0 (on aggregate) on 26 April. A day later, Karonga United stunned Mighty Wanderers 2-1 on aggregate.
