FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda has named his starting XI for this afternoon’s decisive Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal 2nd Leg against Ekhaya at Mpira Stadium.
Bullets head into the knockout encounter seeking a place in the Airtel Top 8 semifinals after the first leg ended 1-1, with Ekhaya holding the advantage on the away-goal rule.
Nyirenda has made one change to the side that defeated Creck Sporting Club 2-0 in the FDH Bank Premiership last weekend, with Misheck Billiat replacing the injured Maxwell Phodo.
Billiat is handed his first start under Nyirenda after making an immediate impact off the bench against Creck Sporting Club, providing the assist for Ephraim Kondowe’s second goal. His contribution even prompted the Bullets head coach to jokingly clean his boots on the touchline in appreciation.
Innocent Nyasulu keeps his place in goal behind a back four of Prince Chiumia, Yamikani Mologeni, captain Blessings Mpokera and Emmanuel Kaunga.
Frank Willard and Wongani Lungu line up in midfield, while Billiat, Clever Kalambo and George Chaomba support Kondowe in attack.
Nyirenda also has a strong bench to call upon, with experienced campaigners Chawanangwa Gumbo, Peter Banda and Hassan Kajoke among the options, giving the Bullets coach plenty of quality and depth to influence the contest if required.
Bullets XI: 24 Innocent Nyasulu; 31 Prince Chiumia, 2 Yamikani Mologeni, 4 Blessings Mpokera (C), 26 Emmanuel Kaunga; 6 Frank Willard, 19 Wongani Lungu; 28 Misheck Billiat, 11 Clever Kalambo, 22 George Chaomba; 13 Ephraim Kondowe.
Substitutes: 1 Pilirani Mapira (GK), 21 Andrew Jovinala, 12 Aaron Chilipa, 29 Chawanangwa Gumbo, 12 Madalitso Safuli, 7 Peter Banda, 14 Sean McBrams, 9 Hassan Kajoke, 18 Dastan Banda.
Kick-off at Mpira Stadium is at 14:30 CAT, with supporters able to follow live updates across the club’s official platforms.
