FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are set to clash with Mzuzu City Hammers in this weekend’s Castel Challenge Cup semifinal after the northerners ousted Mighty Wanderers.
The People’s Team secured their spot in the last four on Saturday with a composed 2–0 victory over Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium, maintaining their strong run in this season’s knockout competition.
Bullets’ semifinal opponents were confirmed after Hammers eliminated defending champions Mighty Wanderers 5–3 on post-match penalties following a 1–1 draw.
Our city neighbours took the lead in the 50th minute through Isaac Kaliati, but Hammers showed immense character to force penalties when Hassan Luwembe struck a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time.
The result was even more remarkable as the home side were reduced to nine men with 20 minutes remaining, following red cards to Mathews Banda and captain Jimmy Msiska. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the home side held firm and triumphed in the penalty shootout, capping a stunning turnaround.
The upcoming semifinal will also renew a recent knockout rivalry between Bullets and Mzuzu City Hammers. The two sides met at this stage of the competition last season, with Hammers advancing 5–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in normal time.
Hammers went on to face Mighty Wanderers in the final, where the Nomads claimed the second edition of the Castel Challenge Cup. Bullets, meanwhile, remain the competition’s 2023 champions and will be aiming to add another title to their history.
The highly anticipated semifinal clashes will be staged this weekend, with venues to be announced by the Football Association of Malawi. Blue Eagles will take on Dedza Dynamos in the other semifinal as the race for a place in the Castel Challenge Cup final intensifies.
Gilbert Chirwa’s men now turn their focus to preparing for the semifinal clash, aiming to defend their strong knockout record and continue their pursuit of Castel Challenge Cup silverware.
