Gilbert Chirwa credited discipline and an early breakthrough after FCB Nyasa Big Bullets booked a place in the Castel Challenge Cup semifinals with a 2–0 victory over Mighty Tigers in Saturday afternoon’s quarterfinal at Kamuzu Stadium.
The win secured Bullets’ third consecutive semifinal appearance in the knockout competition thanks to an early brace from Maxwell Phodo, who first scored in the 5th minute from a delivery by Blessings Mpokera before calmly finishing Yamikani Mologeni’s cross in the 20th minute. Phodo now has seven goals from three matches, strengthening his bid for the Golden Boot.
Speaking after the match, the Bullets interim head coach said the plan was to score early and then control the game.
“We knew for sure that Tigers would come hard at us. We told the boys to score early and then manage the game. We saw them coming, but our early lead and quick control of possession helped us maintain the advantage until the final whistle,” said Chirwa.
The 2023 winners were less adventurous in the second half, a situation Chirwa described as calculated and necessary due to fatigue and conditions.
“It was very hot, and conserving energy was part of the game plan. We are also in an abnormal football calendar where the players have not rested since the start of the current campaign in March last year. Player burnout is inevitable because this has been a very long season, so slowing down was necessary to preserve energy,” he added.
With the tactical plan executed perfectly, the result also boosted individual performances in the competition. Yamikani Mologeni provided one assist on the day, taking his total to four assists in the ongoing knockout competition.
Looking ahead, Bullets will face either Mzuzu City Hammers or Mighty Wanderers for a place in the final, a challenge Chirwa says his team is ready for.
“It will be a very difficult stage for us, but I am confident the players will be ready for whoever comes our way. At this point of the competition, these challenges are unavoidable,” he concluded.
Bullets will discover their semifinal opponents on Sunday when Mzuzu City Hammers host Mighty Wanderers at Rumphi Stadium, while the other semifinal will see Dedza Dynamos face Blue Eagles for a place in the final.
