From controversy to glory, heartbreak to history—FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ journey in the Airtel Top 8 has been nothing short of dramatic. As we prepare for yet another final showdown against Silver Strikers this Sunday at Bingu National Stadium, we look back at the path that has shaped our legacy in Malawi’s elite knockout competition.
2018: Our First Final – A Hard Lesson
Our story began in 2018. After missing out on the inaugural edition, we finally broke into the final.
It was a run filled with grit—a late winner from Patrick Phiri away to Moyale Barracks in Chikwawa, a disciplined defensive display in the return leg, and then a 2-1 triumph over our fiercest rivals, Mighty Wanderers, in the semis. That victory at Bingu was marked by goals from Bright Munthali and Chiukepo Msowoya, while Wanderers’ lone goal came from Zicco Mkanda, now part of our technical bench.
But the final would end in heartbreak. A last-minute penalty awarded to Blue Eagles in controversial fashion saw us lose 1-0. The match ended in chaos, resulting in a one-year ban. Our dreams were shelved—but not shattered.
2021: Redemption and a Historic Title
After a year away, we returned with fire in our eyes and silverware on our minds.
Mafco FC were swept aside in the quarters. Then came a dominant 4-1 victory over Wanderers in the semis, with Babatunde Adepoju shining on the big stage.
In the final, it was Silver Strikers standing in our way. Stain Davie gave the Bankers the lead, but Lanjesi Nkhoma’s equaliser sparked hope. Then came the penalty shootout—a moment etched in Bullets folklore.
Ernest Kakhobwe saved Levison Maganizo’s kick. Nickson Nyasulu stepped up and scored. We were champions of the Airtel Top 8 for the first time.
2022: Penalty Pain at Bingu
If 2021 was redemption, 2022 was a reminder that football giveth and taketh.
An 8-1 demolition of Karonga United set the tone early. We cruised past Silver Strikers 3-1 in the semis. But in the final against Wanderers at Bingu, nothing could separate the sides in 90 minutes.
Once again, it went to penalties. This time, luck deserted us. We lost 5-4.
2023: The Quadruple Year
The 2023 season will go down in history—a quadruple never achieved before by any club in Malawi.
In the Airtel Top 8, we battled past Civil Service United in the quarters, edged Blue Eagles in a tough semifinal, and overcame Mafco FC 2-1 in the final at Kamuzu Stadium.
It was our second Airtel Top 8 crown, and part of an unforgettable campaign that also included the TNM Super League, FDH Bank Cup, and Castel Challenge Cup.
2024: Back-to-Back Glory
As defending champions, we returned with confidence and experience.
We defeated Civil Service United again in the quarterfinals, then brushed past Kamuzu Barracks in the semis to set up another final date with Silver Strikers.
A hard-fought 1-0 victory crowned us champions for the third time.
2025: Another Chapter Awaits
On Sunday, it’s Bullets versus Silver Strikers. Again. A rivalry renewed. A title on the line.
From the heartbreak of 2018 to the triumphs of 2021, 2023, and 2024—we’ve built a story worth telling.
Now, we aim for title number four in the Airtel Top 8. Let history be written in red and white.
20 July 2025
Kickoff: 15:00
Bingu National Stadium
Airtel Top 8 Stats at a Glance
| Category | Stat |
| Total Matches Played | 24 |
| Goals Scored | 39 |
| Goals Conceded | 14 |
| Highest Scoring Match | 8-1 vs Karonga United |
| Quarterfinal Wins | 7 |
| Quarterfinal Defeats | 2 |
| Quarterfinal Draws | 5 |
| Semifinal Wins | 6 |
| Final Appearances | 5 |
| Final Victories | 3 |
| Final Defeats | 2 |
