The stage is set for a thrilling semifinal showdown as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets lock horns with Karonga United in the Airtel Top 8 Cup under the floodlights of Bingu National Stadium this Saturday evening.
The semifinal clash will mark Bullets’ second-ever night game at the national facility, following our memorable 3-1 victory over Moyale Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup last season. For Karonga, it’s a night of firsts—first floodlit match at Bingu and a return to the stadium for a cup game after a six-year break.
As fans gear up for this highly anticipated battle, let’s rewind and relive Bullets’ electrifying journey in the Airtel Top 8 since its inception in 2017.
Airtel Top 8 Semifinal Journey: Year-by-Year
2017 – Early Exit
In their debut, Bullets faced Silver Strikers in the quarters. A narrow 1-0 loss in the first leg and a goalless home draw saw The People’s Team bow out early.
2018 – Redemption & Heartbreak
After a 1-0 aggregate win over Moyale Barracks, Bullets edged rivals Mighty Wanderers 2-1 at Bingu thanks to goals from Bright Munthali and Chiukepo Msowoya.
The dream run ended in controversy as a last-minute penalty gave Blue Eagles a 1-0 final win, resulting in fan unrest and a one-year ban.
2019 – On the Sidelines
Due to disciplinary sanctions, Bullets did not take part in the 2019 edition.
2020/21 – Sweet Comeback
Reinvigorated, Bullets smashed Mafco FC 5-1 over two legs in the quarters, then crushed Wanderers 4-1 in the semis with a Babatunde Adepoju masterclass.
They sealed the title with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Silver after a 1-1 draw.
2022 – Another Final, Another Shootout
Bullets tore through Karonga United 8-1 on aggregate in the quarters, and outclassed Silver 3-1 in the semis.
The final against Wanderers ended 0-0, but penalties weren’t kind—Bullets lost 5-4.
2023 – Trophy No. 2
They squeezed past Civil Service United (3-2 aggregate), defeated Blue Eagles 3-2 in the semis, and beat Mafco 2-1 in the final to claim their second Airtel Top 8 title.
2024 – The Champions Rise Again
Back at it with a solid 2-0 win over Civil and a goalless second leg, Bullets advanced and outplayed Kamuzu Barracks 2-0 in the semis.
In the final, they edged Silver 1-0 to lift the trophy again.
Airtel Top 8 Record Summary (2017–2024)
- Semifinal Appearances: 6
- Semifinal Wins: 5
- Final Appearances: 5
- Titles Won: 3
- Final Defeats: 2
- Only Missed Semifinal: 2017
Overall Competition Stats
| Matches Played | 23 |
| Goals Scored | 37 |
| Goals Conceded | 13 |
| Biggest Win | 8-1 vs Karonga United |
| Quarterfinal Wins | 7 |
| Quarterfinal Losses | 2 |
| Quarterfinal Draws | 5 |
| Semifinal Wins | 5 |
| Final Victories | 3 |
| Final Defeats | 2 |
As Saturday night approaches, all eyes will be on Bingu National Stadium. Can Harrison Kajokoto’s Karonga United pull off a surprise under the lights, or will the defending champions march into yet another final?
Only 90 minutes, or maybe penalties, will tell.
