FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have named their starting XI for Saturday evening’s Airtel Top 8 Cup semifinal clash against Karonga United at Bingu National Stadium, with kick-off at 18:00.
The big news is the long-awaited return of Peter Banda, who makes his first appearance for The People’s Team in over a year. The attacker, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year, last played in the Airtel Top 8 final against MAFCO in January 2024—and he now returns straight into the starting XI for this high-stakes encounter.
Head coach Peter Mponda has shuffled his pack, making five changes to the side that started against Mighty Tigers last week. Blessings Joseph is back in the heart of defence, while Hassan Kajoke, who marked his return with a goal in that 2-0 league win, keeps his place in attack once again.
There’s also a starting berth for Babatunde Adepoju, who came off the bench to net Bullets’ second goal last time out, and in goal, Richard Chimbamba returns to action for the first time in three matches.
Mponda’s changes mean Innocent Nyasulu, Yamikani Mologeni, Wongani Lungu, and Sean McBrams drop to the bench, while Mike Mkwate and Dominic Musonda, who featured in the previous squad, are not included.
Clever Mkungula, who was named on the bench against Tigers, and Yankho Singo, who picked up an injury during Malawi’s COSAFA Cup game against Angola, are also not part of the squad.
Starting XI: Chimbamba; Mpokera, Joseph, Jovinala, Chwaya; Willard, Aaron (C), Banda; Salima, Kajoke, Babatunde
Substitutes: Nyasulu, Mologeni, Thengo, Petro, Gumbo, Lungu, McBrams, Phodo, Kondowe
Eyes on the Final
The defending champions are looking to secure their sixth appearance in the Airtel Top 8 final and chase a record-extending fourth title in the competition’s history. Under the lights in Lilongwe, with key names returning and momentum building, the stage is set for a massive night.
Let’s go, Maule!
