FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to Airtel Top 8 action on Saturday when they host Ekhaya FC in the quarterfinal first leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The match will usher in a new era for The People’s Team following the arrival of Zambian coach Wedson Nyirenda, who was unveiled as the club’s new head coach this week.
Maule begin their Airtel Top 8 title defence under Nyirenda, aiming to make a strong start in a competition they have come to dominate in recent years.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets head into the quarterfinal first leg unbeaten in the FDH Bank Premiership, having collected two wins and four draws from their opening six matches.
The People’s Team have shared the spoils in each of their last three league outings, most recently coming from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw against Moyale Barracks through George Chaomba’s stoppage-time equaliser in Mwanza.
Ekhaya, meanwhile, have made an impressive start to the campaign and sit fifth in the FDH Bank Premiership standings, one place above sixth-placed Bullets. The Cowboys have collected 10 points from six matches, recording three wins, one draw and two defeats.
Their most recent outing ended in a 2-0 victory over Masters FC, a result that saw them maintain their place among the early pacesetters.
Ekhaya’s attacking form presents a stern test, but Bullets will take confidence from an unbeaten start to the league campaign as they look to continue their strong record in the Airtel Top 8.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Saturday’s fixture will mark the first-ever knockout meeting between Bullets and Ekhaya.
The two sides met twice in the 2025 TNM Super League campaign, Ekhaya’s inaugural season in the top flight, with The People’s Team completing a league double over the Cowboys through 1-0 and 2-0 victories.
Adding further intrigue to the contest is the presence of Ekhaya head coach Enos Chatama, who previously guided Bullets Reserves before joining the Cowboys.
While Ekhaya have established themselves as competitive opponents since their promotion to the top flight, Bullets will be looking to maintain their recent dominance in the fixture.
The quarterfinal tie will be played over two legs, with Ekhaya set to host the return fixture at Mpira Stadium.
THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER
Bullets enter the quarterfinal as the most successful club in Airtel Top 8 history, having lifted the trophy four times in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The People’s Team are also unbeaten after six FDH Bank Premiership matches this season, collecting two wins and four draws to remain firmly in contention near the top of the table.
Ekhaya head into Saturday’s first leg level on 10 points with Maule after six league matches, despite sitting one place above Bullets in fifth.
The Cowboys have been among the division’s most dangerous attacking sides, scoring 10 goals in their opening six fixtures, including two from Allen Chihana in their most recent 2-0 victory over Masters FC.
History also favours Bullets, who completed a league double over Ekhaya in the 2025 TNM Super League campaign with 1-0 and 2-0 victories.
Saturday’s encounter will also be a landmark occasion, marking the first-ever knockout meeting between the two clubs and Ekhaya’s first appearance at Bingu National Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
Nyirenda could be boosted by the return of several players as he prepares for his first match in charge of The People’s Team.
Midfielder Frank Willard is available for selection after spending several weeks on the sidelines through injury.
Defender Emmanuel Kaunga is also back in contention after missing his first match of the season when The People’s Team drew 1-1 with Moyale Barracks in Mwanza two weeks ago.
Goalkeeper Mclean Mwale, young defender Edward Thengo and forward Dastan Banda remain sidelined as they continue their recovery from injuries.
The return of Willard and Kaunga provides additional options for the technical team as Bullets look to carry their unbeaten league form into the Airtel Top 8 and begin their title defence on a positive note.
TACTICAL FOCUS
Familiarity with the surroundings could prove an important factor in Saturday’s first leg.
Bullets are no strangers to Bingu National Stadium, having played a number of important matches at the venue in recent seasons, including cup finals and continental fixtures. That familiarity could prove valuable as Maule look to dictate the tempo and make a strong start to the tie.
Ekhaya, meanwhile, will be playing at Bingu National Stadium for the first time, adding another challenge for a side facing one of the country’s most experienced knockout teams away from home.
With the tie being decided over two legs, Bullets will be eager to make their experience count and take a positive result into the return fixture.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
With Nyirenda only having joined the club this week, assistant coach Heston Munthali has overseen preparations for Saturday’s quarterfinal first leg and believes the squad is ready for the challenge.
“We have prepared well. We know how important this game is for us and the players understand what is at stake. In training, the boys have shown real intensity and aggression in their work.
“It is a game we want to win. We have come from a run of draws, but as a team we are ready and focused on the task ahead.
“Ekhaya are a very good side with a lot of energy in their squad and a strong technical team. We understand the importance of this tie, but our focus is fully on the first leg and approaching it in the right way.
“The positive thing is that the boys are showing hunger and determination. We are the holders of this cup and we know Ekhaya will come hard at us. Every team that plays Bullets treats it like a cup final, so we have to be ready for that challenge.”
OPPOSITION VIEW
Chatama expects a closely contested tie and believes the two-legged format adds another layer of difficulty to the quarterfinal.
“We are approaching this game with caution because cup matches are always difficult. The challenge is even greater when you are playing over two legs because the goal margins can make all the difference.
“We have watched Bullets and we know they are a good team. We respect them. A coaching change can bring different dynamics because players want to impress and fight for places in the team.
“Bullets are a big team with a lot of experience at the highest level. They are the defending champions of the Airtel Top 8 and that gives them an advantage going into this tie.”
KEY BATTLE
Midfield quality and knockout experience could prove decisive in Saturday’s quarterfinal first leg.
The Cowboys have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, with midfielders Moses Banda and James Lumbe playing influential roles in the centre of the park, while attacker Allen Chihana arrives in form after scoring both goals in Ekhaya’s 2-0 victory over Masters FC in their most recent outing.
However, Ekhaya’s key men will come up against a Bullets midfield packed with quality, energy and experience. Players such as Paul Master, Yankho Singo, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Mike Mkwate and Wongani Lungu have all featured prominently in high-pressure matches and will be expected to play important roles in controlling the contest.
There will also be several familiar faces in the opposition ranks. Former Bullets senior goalkeeper Clever Mkungula is now with Ekhaya, while defenders Andrew Lameck and Happy Mphepo, as well as attacker Wongani Kaponya, all joined the Cowboys from Bullets Reserves last year.
Lameck, who serves as Ekhaya’s first captain, will be facing his former club, adding another intriguing subplot to an already fascinating quarterfinal tie.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
No club has enjoyed more success in the Airtel Top 8 than The People’s Team. Maule have lifted the trophy four times and enter this year’s competition determined to continue that proud tradition.
The People’s Team secured last season’s title with victory over Silver Strikers in the final and now begin their title defence with the ambition of retaining the crown.
With a place in the semifinals at stake, the first leg offers Bullets an opportunity to lay a strong foundation before the return leg.
Maule, turn out in your numbers and paint Bingu National Stadium red as The People’s Team begin the defence of their Airtel Top 8 crown.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: David Chinoko
First Assistant Referee: Lameck Phiri
Second Assistant Referee: Yohane Chiutika
Fourth Official: Kondwani Kamwendo
Referee Assessor: Innocent Kaundula
MATCH DETAILS
Competition: Airtel Top 8
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Ekhaya FC
Venue: Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe
Date: Saturday, 13 June 2026
Kick-off: 17:00
HOW TO FOLLOW
Supporters unable to make it to Bingu National Stadium can follow the action live on Mpira TV and FIFA+.
Live minute-by-minute updates will also be available across FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ official social media platforms, while match highlights and post-match reactions will be published on the club’s digital channels after the game.
