FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are the 2025/26 Castel Challenge Cup champions after defeating Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A second-half brace from Hassan Kajoke proved decisive as The People’s Team showed composure, character and quality to bring the trophy back home and close the season in style.
It is Bullets’ second Castel Challenge Cup triumph and a fitting way to conclude a campaign that once again saw the club competing strongly on all fronts.
First Half: Dominance Without Reward
Gilbert Chirwa’s men started the match on the front foot, taking control of possession in the opening exchanges and pinning the hosts inside their own half.
The early pressure produced a series of set pieces, but the breakthrough remained elusive. A free kick in a promising position was well defended before Kajoke fired wide after a swift attacking move.
Paul Master later picked out Kajoke inside the penalty area, but the forward was unable to get a clean touch, allowing Dynamos to clear. Another free kick followed after a handball incident, yet Kajoke’s effort struck the wall.
At the other end, Wongani Lungu conceded a free kick in a dangerous area, but Blessings Mpokera stood firm to clear the danger. Dedza also forced a late corner, comfortably gathered by Innocent Nyasulu.
Despite territorial dominance and sustained attacking intent, the first half ended goalless.
Halftime: Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 0–0 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Second Half: Kajoke Leads the Charge
Bullets returned from the break with renewed urgency and were rewarded in the 58th minute.
Henry Chiwaya released Kajoke with a well-timed pass, and the striker showed composure to round the goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball into the net to give Bullets a deserved 1-0 lead.
Moments later, Maule nearly doubled their advantage. Mologeni’s free kick was well defended, but from the resulting phase of play, substitute Ephraim Kondowe’s powerful header forced a fine save.
The hosts pushed for a response, winning a free kick in a dangerous area and later delivering a threatening cross from the right, but Bullets defended resolutely.
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when Kajoke was brought down inside the penalty area. The forward stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
A late goal from Dynamos set up a tense finish, and five minutes of added time were indicated. In stoppage time, a powerful free kick was brilliantly saved by Nyasulu, with the rebound sailing over the crossbar as Bullets held firm to secure a 2-1 victory.
Player of the Match
Handed a place in the Starting XI to replace Kondowe, Kajoke delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice to fire Bullets to Castel Challenge Cup glory.
He showed composure to round the goalkeeper for the opener before confidently converting from the penalty spot to seal the victory. On the biggest stage, Kajoke made the difference.
What It Means
Saturday’s victory marks Bullets’ second Castel Challenge Cup triumph and completes a domestic cup double this season, following their earlier success in the Airtel Top 8.
While the team narrowly missed out on the TNM Super League title, finishing as runners-up, they also reached the semifinals of the FDH Bank Cup, underlining a consistently strong campaign across all domestic competitions.
Securing two major domestic trophies this season highlights the squad’s resilience, quality, and ability to perform in high-stakes matches.
What’s Next
With the domestic double secured, The People’s Team will now take a short break as the players recover from a demanding season.
Preparations for the new campaign will begin in due course, with the technical team focused on building on this year’s success.
After ending the season with silverware, Bullets will look ahead with confidence and determination for the challenges that await next term.
Full-Time: Dedza Dynamos 1–2 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
