FCB Nyasa Big Bullets achieved a historic milestone on Saturday evening, edging Karonga United 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium to become the first team to reach the Airtel Top 8 final five times in a row and six times overall.
The semifinal clash saw goals from Chikumbutso Salima and Hassan Kajoke on either side of a Robert Luhanga equalizer, as Bullets held firm under pressure to book yet another final appearance in the prestigious cup competition.
First Half: Salima Breaks the Deadlock
Head coach Peter Mponda made several changes to his lineup, handing starts to Peter Banda—back in action after more than a year out—Babatunde Adepoju, Chikumbutso Salima, Richard Chimbamba, and Blessings Joseph.
Bullets started brightly and nearly took the lead early on when Banda’s dangerous free-kick delivery found Babatunde unmarked, but the forward headed over the crossbar.
Karonga United responded with set-piece opportunities through Patrick Phiri, while Bullets had to rely on Chimbamba’s sharp goalkeeping to deny Allen Chihana in a one-on-one.
The opener finally came in the 27th minute when Banda whipped in a perfect free-kick and Salima rose highest to head past McLean Mwale, giving Bullets a deserved 1-0 lead.
Moments later, Bullets nearly doubled their advantage, but Henry Chiwaya’s close-range effort lacked power. At the other end, Phiri continued to trouble Bullets’ backline, but Chimbamba and Blessings Mpokera were equal to the task with key saves and clearances.
A blow came in the 42nd minute when Banda—looking sharp on his return—was forced off after a rough elbow from Cloude Mkoko. He was replaced by Yamikani Mologeni, while Chawanangwa Gumbo came in for Joseph.
Salima had a late chance before the break, but Mwale made another excellent save to keep Karonga in the game.
Second Half: Kajoke Seals It
Karonga came out more aggressive after the interval, enjoying better possession and pressing high. Their efforts paid off in the 52nd minute when Robert Luhanga capitalized on a loose ball from a free kick to equalize at 1-1.
Sensing the momentum shift, Bullets responded. Salima came close again in the 59th minute after being set up by Babatunde, but his effort whistled inches wide.
The defending champions reclaimed the lead in the 68th minute through Hassan Kajoke, who finished brilliantly after a move started by Lloyd Aaron and smartly assisted by Gumbo. It was Kajoke’s second goal in as many games.
Mponda made more tactical substitutions to manage the game, bringing on Edward Thengo and Wongani Lungu for Chiwaya and Frank Willard. Despite a late penalty appeal from Salima being waved away, Bullets maintained control.
In the 83rd minute, Andrew Jovinala made a crucial tackle to deny Phiri a potential equalizer after Gumbo had lost possession. Karonga threw on extra attackers, including Kennedy Mwakabaghe and Zikani Mponda, in a final push.
The match could have been sealed in the 88th minute when Thengo squared to Salima, but Lovemore Ngolombe produced a heroic clearance with the keeper beaten.
Ernest Petro replaced Kajoke in stoppage time, and Bullets closed out the game professionally to confirm their place in the final.
Blessings Mpokera was deservedly named Man of the Match for his strong performance at the back.
What It Means
The win cements FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ status as the dominant force in Airtel Top 8 history, reaching the final six times, including a remarkable five straight appearances. The result showcased the team’s depth, composure, and ability to respond under pressure in a knockout scenario.
What’s Next
Bullets will face the winner between Silver Strikers and Civil Service United, who meet in the second semifinal on Sunday at Bingu National Stadium.
Before the final, Mponda’s men return to TNM Super League action with a fixture against Moyale Barracks on Wednesday, followed by a return to Lilongwe next weekend for the FCB 30th Anniversary match against Silver Strikers.
