The fixtures for the Castel Challenge Cup semifinals have been confirmed. FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will face Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday, 7 February, while Goshen City Dedza Dynamos host Blue Eagles at Dedza Stadium on Sunday, 8 February.
Both matches are set to kick off at 14:30, promising an exciting weekend of knockout football as the four sides compete for a place in the final.
Bullets, the 2023 champions, secured their semifinal spot with a composed 2–0 victory over Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday. Maxwell Phodo struck twice early to hand The People’s Team control, keeping Mighty Tigers at bay as Bullets extended their impressive knockout record.
Mzuzu City Hammers booked their place in dramatic fashion, eliminating defending champions Mighty Wanderers 5–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw. The Nomads had taken the lead in the 50th minute through Isaac Kaliati, but Hassan Luwembe’s stoppage-time equaliser forced the match to spotkicks.
Down to nine men in the final 20 minutes, Hammers showed incredible grit to hold on and triumph in the shootout, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Bullets.
The matchup will be a repeat of the 2024 clash, where the Hammers edged The People’s Team 4–1 on penalties at Kamuzu Stadium, denying Maule a chance to defend the cup.
In the other semifinal, Dedza Dynamos edged Ekhaya FC 2–0 away at Mpira Stadium on 24 January, while Blue Eagles dominated Chitipa United 4–1 away on 25 January. The result sets up another mouth-watering semifinal showdown at Dedza Stadium.
All eyes will be on the semifinals this weekend as the four sides battle for a place in the Castel Challenge Cup final. Ticketing details will be confirmed by the Football Association of Malawi.
