By Praise Majawa
On Saturday afternoon, 21 February 2026, all eyes will turn to Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, where teams with two very different tales will meet face to face in Castel Challenge Cup final.
One story is built on history, dominance and expectation. The other is driven by belief, courage and a hunger to make history.
When FCB Nyasa Big Bullets walk onto the field, they will carry the pride of a club accustomed to winning football’s biggest moments. Standing in their way will be Goshen City Dedza Dynamos, a fearless side chasing a dream in their first final — and their first appearance at the 40,000-seat national stadium.
This final is more than just a match. It is history against belief.
Bullets march on with confidence
For Bullets, reaching the final has felt familiar — it is a stage they know well.
Their journey began in the Round of 32 at Karonga Stadium, where striker Maxwell Gastin Phodo announced himself with a hat-trick in a commanding 3–0 victory over Songwe Border United.
The Round of 16 presented a tougher challenge at Kamuzu Stadium against a lower league side Ndirande Stars. After falling behind early, Bullets showed their resilience. Ephraim Kondowe equalised before Phodo struck twice to complete an impressive comeback.
They maintained their momentum with a composed 2–0 victory over Mighty Tigers in the quarterfinals.
In the semifinal, Wongani Lungu delivered a decisive performance against his former club, Mzuzu City Hammers, scoring twice to send Bullets into yet another final.
Bullets’ pedigree in major competitions speaks volumes. They lifted the inaugural Castel Challenge Cup in 2023 after defeating Silver Strikers 4–2 on penalties. Across all competitions, Bullets have reached 17 finals in the past 14 years, winning 11 of them. They have also claimed five major final victories at Bingu National Stadium — a record that reflects their comfort on the biggest stage.
Phodo has been central to their success, leading the tournament scoring chart with seven goals.
Interim coach Gilbert Chirwa says the team is fully focused on the task ahead.
“We have approached every match with focus and respect,” he said. “The players have shown great resilience, and now we are preparing for the final.”
Last time around, Bullets were eliminated in the 2024 semifinal.
Dedza Dynamos chasing history
While Bullets are familiar with finals, Dedza Dynamos are writing a historic new chapter.
Few expected them to reach this stage, but their determination and unity have carried them beyond expectations.
Their journey began with a remarkable 3–1 away victory over Creck Sporting Club in the round of 32, with goals from Chikondi Mbeta, Chifuniro Mpinganjira and Luke Chima. In round of 16, they booted out Karonga United 1-0; Sinto Simon scoring an own goal.
They followed that with another impressive away performance, defeating Ekhaya FC 2–0 in the quarterfinals.
The semifinal proved to be their greatest test. Facing Blue Eagles, Dynamos trailed late into the match before Gift Magola scored a dramatic equaliser to force penalties. Showing composure under pressure, Dynamos triumphed 4–3 in the shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
Head coach Alex Ngwira believes his team’s mentality has been key.
“The players have shown great character and composure,” he said. “They never give up, and they believe in themselves.”
In their previous two appearances in the competition, Dedza Dynamos were eliminated in the Round of 16. Now, they stand just one victory away from making history.
A final full of meaning
Saturday’s final promises drama and emotion.
Bullets bring experience, confidence, and a winning tradition. They understand the pressure and demands of finals.
Dedza Dynamos bring hunger, freedom, and belief. They carry the spirit of a team with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Bullets are chasing another trophy to strengthen their legacy. Dedza Dynamos are chasing immortality.
Once referee Mayamiko Kanjere blows the opening whistle on the day, one team will reinforce its place in history. The other could begin a new era; and that is the beauty of football.
