FCB Nyasa Big Bullets etched another glorious chapter in our rich history on Sunday afternoon, defeating rivals Silver Strikers 4-3 on penalties to lift the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Cup at Bingu National Stadium.
After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Ephraim Kondowe converted the decisive spotkick to seal the victory, as The People’s Team clinched the trophy for a record-extending fourth time—and for the third consecutive season.
The Starting XI Story
Peter Mponda’s selection for the final told its own story of resilience and bold decisions. Andrew Jovinala, back from injury, was thrown straight into the lineup to add his trademark pace and defensive solidity on the right.
Dominic Musonda, the Zambian left-back, was handed his first-ever Airtel Top 8 start, rewarded for his consistency and power in recent outings.
In midfield, Chawanangwa Gumbo—absent even from the bench in last weekend’s league defeat—was restored to the team, tasked with injecting energy and drive into the heart of the pitch. Together with captain Lloyd Aaron, Wongani Lungu, and Mike Mkwate, they formed the core of a side built to control and dominate.
A Dominant Start, A Missed Opportunity
From the first whistle, Bullets showed purpose, composure, and intent. The starting XI took control of possession and dictated the tempo, forcing Silver to sit back for much of the opening half.
In the 15th minute, our pressure nearly paid off when Chikumbutso Salima, electric down the flank, was brought down in the box by Maxwell Paipi. The referee Godfrey Nkhakananga pointed to the spot, but Babatunde Adepoju’s penalty was saved by Silver goalkeeper George Chikooka.
Despite the setback, chances continued to fall to Babatunde and Musonda, but the opener proved elusive. The first half ended goalless, with Maule clearly on top.
Breakthrough and Equaliser
The breakthrough came shortly after the restart. Second-half substitutes Peter Banda and Ephraim Kondowe made an instant impact, with Banda delivering a pinpoint set piece that was guided home by Maxwell Phodo in the 49th minute to give us a deserved 1-0 lead against his former side.
Silver responded by switching systems and bringing on additional attackers. Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when a cross from Kalima was met by Stain Davie, who equalised with a header past Innocent Nyasulu.
The game opened up, with both sides creating chances, but neither could find a winner in regulation time.
Kondowe Delivers in the Shootout
As the final headed to penalties, Bullets held their nerve. Musonda, Jovinala, Mpokera, and Kondowe all stepped up and converted with confidence.
Silver, under pressure, faltered—Chisomo Mpachika and Levison Maganizo missed from the spot, with Maganizo once again failing to convert against Bullets, as he did in 2021.
Kondowe calmly slotted home the winner, sparking wild celebrations in the red half of Bingu.
Making History
This triumph cements our status as the most successful club in Airtel Top 8 history:
🏆 Four-time champions (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025)
🔥 Three in a row – the only team to do so
🎯 Six final appearances – more than any other side
🧠 First trophy for Peter Mponda as head coach
We are the only club to feature in five consecutive Airtel Top 8 finals, a reflection of our consistency, strength, and winning DNA.
This is more than a trophy — it’s another statement of who we are. Maule ndi Maule!
