FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are in the last 8 of the 2025/26 Quarter Finals as they outclassed Ndirande All Stars 3-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.
Ndirande drew the first blood, courtesy of Kondwani Kucheza’s 34th-minute strike.
Bullets responded with a Gastin Phodo’s brace and Ephraim Kondowe’s strike, all in the second half.
Initially, Bullets started the game witha clear attacking intent, but their attacking progress lacked accurate finishing.
For instance, in the 9th minute, Yamikani Mologeni sent a cross to Kondowe, only for his effort to be blasted wide.
Again in the 15th minute, Wongani Lungu’s attempt struck the post.
Despite starting the game with attacking intensity, Ndirande did manage to break the deadlock by the 34th minute. A defensive error allowed Kucheza to play around in Bullets’ danger zone and score.
By the start of the second half, Bullets thought of tactically improving the team. Blessings Mpokera, Mike Mkwate and Yankho Singo were all introduced to replace Sean McBrams, Edward Thengo and Dominic Musonda.
Nonetheless, Ndirande still managed to threaten.
In the 47th minute, Kucheza nearly doubled the lead, but his effort missed the target by just a fraction.
But three minutes later, the tables started to change sides. Mkwate’s introduction proved to be worth it as he assisted Kondowe to find an equaliser.
On the other hand, tension was almost immediately. Madalitso Jeffrey replaced Justice Zulu, to at least adjust their gameplan.
But it was not enough.
In the 67th minute, Phodo scored the second goal.
The attack started from a corner taken by Lungu, only for him to play it low by passing the ball to Mologeni who whipped in the cross to find the man in space, Phodo.
This worsened Ndirande’s composure. They quickly introduced Rafiq Alli replaced McRay Chiwaya, to at least balance the game with fresh legs.
Just barely a minute later after that substitution, trouble was still coming their way. Mkwate made a thunderous strike and it hit the post. The second one of the game.
Bullets then had their own substitutions later in the game. Paul Master replaced Lungu,while Mologeni picked up an injury and was replaced with Henry Chiwaya.
As the game approached the dying minutes, Phodo completed his brace. 2-0.
He connected successfully from a Chawanangwa Gumbo’s cross in the 90+3 minute. Which was also the games last highlight.
Elsewhere, Blue Ragles have also qualified to the last 8 as they outclassed Airborne Rangers 5-1 at Champion Stadium. Ekhaya also made it through as they defeated Shire Wimbe 1-0 at Nankhaka Stadium.
Cup action returns on Sunday as defending champions, Mighty Wanderers, will travel to Rumphi Stadium to face-off against Moyale Barracks.
On the same day, Mighty Tigers will play against Civil Service United, Dedza Dynamos against Karonga United while Chitipa United will lock-horns against Kamuzu Barracks.
