FCB Nyasa Big Bullets interim head coach Gilbert Chirwa admitted his side were pushed hard by Ndirande Stars after underestimating their opponents in Saturday afternoon’s Castel Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash at Kamuzu Stadium.
The People’s Team recovered from a first-half setback to record a 3–1 come-from-behind victory over the National Division League side and book a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Reflecting on the encounter, Chirwa said the early setback proved a turning point for his team.
“It was a tough game for us. I think Ndirande Stars came fully prepared,” Chirwa said. “They scored first and gave us an assignment because at the beginning we were sloppy and underestimated them. That goal woke us up and we had to work extra hard to score the three goals in the second half.”
The interim coach pointed to a casual approach as the reason Bullets struggled to impose themselves early on.
“We were very slow because we were too relaxed. The players were casual and we had to remind them at halftime that this was a cup game where every opponent is dangerous,” he explained. “That’s why we made three changes, and they brought energy to the game.”
Chirwa was quick to praise the impact of his second-half substitutions, which helped Bullets regain control and momentum after the break.
“After making those changes, we started playing good football and created more chances, which led to the goals,” he said. “They brought fresh energy to the team when we were 1–0 down.”
Looking ahead to the quarterfinals, with the draw set to take place on Sunday during the Round of 16 encounter between Mighty Tigers and Civil Service United at Mpira Stadium, Chirwa admitted the challenges will only increase but remains confident in his squad.
“We have a lot of work to do. It won’t be easy because the higher you go, the tougher it becomes,” he said. “But I’m positive the boys will adapt and be ready for what’s coming.”
The coach also reserved special praise for Maxwell Phodo, whose brace on the day took his tally to five goals in two Castel Challenge Cup matches.
“He is a good player and very consistent. He’s scoring goals regularly and we’re relying on his services,” Chirwa concluded. “It’s good that he’s in top form at such a crucial stage of the competition as we prepare for the quarterfinal challenge.”
