FCB Nyasa Big Bullets begin their Castel Challenge Cup campaign on Sunday afternoon with an away trip to Karonga, where they face Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium in the Round of 32.
After finishing second in the TNM Super League and missing out on the FDH Bank Cup, Bullets will be aiming for a second piece of silverware this season after lifting the Airtel Top 8. But in knockout football, anything can happen. Sunday’s match is the first step in Bullets’ quest to claim another trophy this season.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets head north in confident form, having finished the league campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over Mzuzu City Hammers, ending the season on 66 points, three behind champions Mighty Wanderers.
Songwe Border United endured a difficult league season that concluded with relegation. The hosts finished bottom of the standings with six points from 30 matches, recording one win and conceding 77 goals while scoring ten. Their season ended with a 5-0 home defeat to Civil Service United.
Despite the contrasting league fortunes, cup competitions often produce unpredictable outcomes, particularly in away fixtures.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Sunday’s fixture will be the third meeting between the two sides across all competitions.
In Songwe’s debut season in the top flight, Bullets completed a league double over their northern opponents, recording a 7-0 victory in the first round before securing a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture at Karonga Stadium.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Interim Head Coach Gilbert Chirwa has stressed the need for focus and discipline in knockout football, warning against complacency.
“We beat Songwe twice in the league, but this is a different game altogether. Cup matches are unpredictable, especially away from home. We must be serious from the first minute and take our chances when they come,” Chirwa said.
The coach also highlighted the importance of starting the competition strongly as Bullets look to challenge for another piece of silverware.
TEAM NEWS
Bullets will be without several players due to injury. Blessings Mpokera, Lameck Gamphani, Chrispin Mapemba, and Andrew Jovinala have all been ruled out of the trip to Karonga.
Chikumbutso Salima is a fitness doubt after feeling discomfort in his leg and will undergo a late test ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Yankho Singo returns to contention after missing the final league match of the season through suspension.
The team will also be without forward Babatunde Adepoju, who returned to his parent club, Venda Football Club, following the end of his loan spell in December.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: Songwe Border United vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: Castel Challenge Cup – Round of 32
Date: Sunday
Venue: Karonga Stadium
Kick-off: 14:30
MATCH OFFICIALS
The Football Association of Malawi has appointed Meluce Nyirongo as the centre referee for Sunday’s Castel Challenge Cup Round of 32 fixture.
He will be assisted by Stephen Nyirenda and Patrick Chikopa, with Joel Nzunda serving as the fourth official. Mabvuto Msimuko has been named as the match commissioner.
Referee: Meluce Nyirongo
Assistants: Stephen Nyirenda, Patrick Chikopa
Fourth Official: Joel Nzunda
Match Commissioner: Mabvuto Msimuko
HOW TO FOLLOW
Supporters can follow live updates from Karonga across the club’s official social media platforms on match day.
