We are gearing up for the final act of our Airtel Top 8 Cup title defence as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets face off against Silver Strikers in the 2025 final at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Capital City is once again expected to come alive as two of Malawi’s most storied clubs battle for the first silverware of the season.
It’s a much-anticipated showdown that sees the defending champions chasing a fourth Airtel Top 8 title, while The Bankers seek to reclaim the trophy they last lifted in 2021.
FORM GUIDE
BULLETS
We began our 2025 Airtel Top 8 journey with a narrow 1-0 aggregate victory over Creck Sporting Club in the quarterfinals. After a cagey 0-0 first-leg draw at Kamuzu Stadium, it was Maxwell Phodo’s first-half goal in the return leg that proved decisive, sending us through to the semifinals.
In the last four, we came up against Karonga United at Bingu National Stadium. Goals from Chikumbutso Salima and Hassan Kajoke earned Bullets a hard-fought 2-1 win and a fifth consecutive Airtel Top 8 final.
Since the 2021 season, Bullets have appeared in every Airtel Top 8 final—lifting the trophy three times and finishing as runners-up twice.
SILVER STRIKERS
Silver’s campaign started strongly with a 3-1 aggregate win over Moyale Barracks. Festus Duwe opened the scoring in the first leg and followed up with a brace in the second. Stain Davie also found the net to confirm Silver’s passage to the semifinals.
They then faced Civil Service United in the Lilongwe derby. It was a tight affair, but the Area 47 side emerged 2-1 winners to book their place in Sunday’s final.
LEAGUE FORM
In the TNM Super League, both teams have played 11 games. Bullets sit second on the table with 27 points, while Silver are third with 20 points. Bullets have two defeats compared to Silver’s one, but The Bankers have dropped points in five drawn matches.
Ahead of the final, Bullets are coming from a 2-1 away defeat to Civil Service United, while Silver fought back to draw 1-1 away to Moyale Barracks.
HEAD-TO-HEAD IN THE AIRTEL TOP 8
Sunday’s clash will be the third Airtel Top 8 final meeting between Bullets and Silver Strikers, and the sixth overall meeting between the two clubs in this competition since its inception in 2017.
In the inaugural edition, Silver knocked Bullets out in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win in the first leg before a goalless draw in the second leg. In 2021, they met in the final at Kamuzu Stadium, which Bullets won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
In the 2022 semifinals, Bullets defeated Silver 3-1 at Kamuzu Stadium. Last season, the two teams met in the final again at the BNS where Ernest Petro’s goal gave Bullets a 1-0 win.
This is Bullets’ fifth overall final appearance and fourth in a row. Silver are also making their fifth final appearance, having won the trophy in 2017 and 2019 but losing in 2021 and 2024.
TEAM NEWS
There are no injury concerns for Coach Peter Mponda heading into Sunday’s final. The trio of Andrew Jovinala, Mike Mkwate, and Chikumbutso Salima, who all missed last weekend’s league loss to Civil Service United, have returned to full training and are available for selection.
FROM THE COACH
“It has been a very good week in terms of preparing for the game. We have no excuses—we’ve done our work both psychologically and on the training pitch. I have all the players available and ready for selection, and as a coach, that gives me a positive headache. But overall, everything is looking good. Just being in a final is motivation enough. The boys have worked hard to get here, and I don’t think they would want to let this opportunity slip away. They understand the significance of this game and the pressure that comes with it. They are ready.” — Peter Mponda, Head Coach.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The officiating team for Sunday’s final has been confirmed by the Football Association of Malawi. Godfrey Nkhakananga will be the centre referee, with Pondamali Tembo and Lameck Phiri as assistants. Rose Zimba will serve as fourth official, while Innocent Kaundula will assess the match.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Don’t miss the Airtel Top 8 final showdown between Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, kicking off at 15:00 at the Bingu National Stadium. Follow all the action live on Mpira TV, MBC TV and FIFA+, or stay up-to-date with instant highlights on our Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for the Airtel Top 8 final are available now and will not be sold on matchday at the stadium.
Fans can secure theirs via:
Online: kwenda.co/events/fam
WhatsApp: 088 678 5067
USSD: Dial *495#
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: Silver Strikers vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: 2025 Airtel Top 8 Final
Date: Sunday, 20 July 2025
Kickoff: 15:00 CAT
Venue: Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe
