FCB Nyasa Big Bullets switch focus to knockout football on Saturday afternoon when we face Ekhaya in the second leg of the Airtel Top 8 quarterfinals at Mpira Stadium.
The People’s Team head into the decisive encounter looking to build on the momentum generated by three consecutive FDH Bank Premiership victories while continuing the defence of the Airtel Top 8 title.
Standing in Bullets’ way is an Ekhaya side enjoying an impressive run of form under former Bullets Reserves coach Enos Chatama, having gone seven matches unbeaten across league and cup competitions.
Ahead of Saturday’s showdown, we take a closer look at Ekhaya’s recent history, current form, record against Bullets and the players who could influence proceedings at Mpira Stadium.
Recent history
Ekhaya have continued their rise in Malawian football after earning promotion to the TNM Super League and establishing themselves among the country’s emerging sides during their debut top-flight campaign in 2025.
The Cowboys secured a top-eight finish in their maiden season to qualify for the Airtel Top 8 and have carried that momentum into the 2026 campaign following the league’s rebranding to the FDH Bank Premiership.
Chatama has overseen a remarkable turnaround after a difficult start to the season, building a disciplined side that is difficult to break down while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack.
Current form
Bullets come up against an Ekhaya side sitting fifth in the FDH Bank Premiership standings with 15 points from nine matches, having recorded four wins, three draws and two defeats.
Their disciplined 1-1 draw against Bullets in the first leg extended an unbeaten run that has featured league victories over Kamuzu Barracks and Masters FC, along with hard-earned draws against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Bullets and, most recently, Luanar Mitundu.
That resurgence has been built on defensive solidity, with the Cowboys keeping four clean sheets and conceding only three goals during the unbeaten sequence.
Against Bullets
Saturday’s fixture will be the fourth competitive meeting between Bullets and Ekhaya.
The People’s Team have enjoyed the better of the previous three encounters, recording two victories and one draw while remaining unbeaten against the Cowboys.
The first two meetings came during Ekhaya’s debut TNM Super League campaign, with Bullets completing a league double. Babatunde Adepoju’s solitary goal secured a 1-0 victory at Kamuzu Stadium before The People’s Team followed up with a 2-0 win at Mpira Stadium.
The rivalry added another chapter in the first leg of this season’s Airtel Top 8 quarterfinals in Lilongwe, where George Chaomba gave Bullets a deserved lead shortly after the restart before Allen Chihana equalised in the 69th minute to earn Ekhaya their first competitive draw against The People’s Team.
Although Bullets created the better opportunities for long spells, the Cowboys defended resolutely and capitalised on their chance to leave the tie finely balanced.
Former Bullets goalkeeper Clever Mkungula also played a key role, producing several important saves, including a superb late stop to deny George Chaomba and preserve the draw.
What to expect
Ekhaya are likely to approach Saturday’s second leg with the same discipline that has underpinned their recent resurgence. Comfortable defending in numbers, the Cowboys are content to concede possession before looking to spring forward quickly on the counter-attack through their pace in wide areas and the aerial presence of Allen Chihana.
With the tie finely balanced after the first leg, patience and concentration could prove decisive. Bullets will look to control possession and create openings, while Ekhaya’s organised defensive shape and ability to capitalise on transitions mean every moment could carry added significance.
Key players
Allen Chihana
Chihana has quickly established himself as Ekhaya’s leading attacking threat since joining the club ahead of the 2026 season.
The 24-year-old forward announced himself to Bullets supporters by scoring the Cowboys’ equaliser in the first leg, a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award.
Strong in the air and clinical inside the penalty area, Chihana will again be one of the players The People’s Team must keep under close watch.
Clever Mkungula
Former Bullets goalkeeper Mkungula returns to face his old club after joining Ekhaya ahead of the 2026 season in search of regular first-team football.
The 28-year-old was among the standout performers in the first leg, producing several important saves, including a superb late stop to deny George Chaomba and preserve the draw.
His experience, leadership and shot-stopping ability have been central to Ekhaya’s recent resurgence, making him another player Bullets will need to overcome.
Hermas Masinja
Masinja is one of Malawi’s brightest young defenders and has emerged as a key figure in Ekhaya’s backline.
The 20-year-old right-back, who earned his maiden senior Flames call-up earlier this year after impressing for the Cowboys, combines defensive discipline with the ability to support attacks from wide areas.
His performances have played an important role in Ekhaya’s recent defensive improvement, making him another player Bullets will need to keep a close watch on.
Andrew Lameck
Lameck brings leadership and versatility to the Ekhaya defence after joining the Cowboys from Bullets Reserves ahead of the 2025 season.
Entrusted with the captain’s armband, the 23-year-old has become a key figure in Chatama’s side, helping organise one of the league’s most improved defences.
His familiarity with several Bullets players adds another intriguing subplot to Saturday’s quarterfinal decider.
What’s needed
The tie remains finely balanced after the first leg ended 1-1 in Lilongwe.
Ekhaya will reach the semifinals with a goalless draw through the away goals rule, while Bullets must either win the match or secure a score draw of 2-2 or higher to continue the defence of the trophy.
If the contest finishes 1-1 after 90 minutes, the semifinalists will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
With a place in the last four at stake, Saturday’s encounter promises another compelling contest as The People’s Team look to extend our winning momentum and keep our Airtel Top 8 title defence alive.
