FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to Kamuzu Stadium this Saturday with their sights firmly set on the semifinals, as they take on Mighty Tigers in the Castel Challenge Cup quarterfinal.
The People’s Team are coming off a convincing 3-1 win over Ndirande Stars and are determined to carry that momentum into this crucial knockout clash.
After a solid season, falling just short of the league title and FDH Bank Cup, Bullets are determined to make their mark in the Castel Challenge Cup.
Tigers, recently relegated from the TNM Super League, will be eager to cause an upset, while Gilbert Chirwa’s men carry momentum and optimism into this crucial cup tie.
With a place in the semifinals at stake, tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and composure will be key as the team looks to continue its pursuit of another silverware after lifting the Airtel Top 8 in July.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets have shown excellent form in the Castel Challenge Cup so far. In the Round of 32, the team defeated Songwe Border United 3-0 at Karonga Stadium.
That was followed by a 3-1 victory over Ndirande Stars at Kamuzu Stadium in the Round of 16 to reach this stage.
Trevor Kajawa’s side opened their campaign with a 4-0 win over Chilumba Barracks in Chitipa. They then edged Civil Service United 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in the Round of 16.
Both teams come into the quarterfinal in good form, setting the stage for an exciting contest at Kamuzu Stadium.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Over the last 12 years, Bullets have enjoyed the upper hand against Tigers in cup competitions, winning all three encounters.
Our first meeting came in the 2014 Carlsberg Cup, where Tigers led for much of the tie through Frazer Menyani, only for late goals from Mussa Manyenje and James Chilapondwa to send Bullets into the last eight.
The two sides met again in the 2016 Carlsberg Cup, with Manyenje once more scoring a decisive late strike to secure a semifinal spot for The People’s Team.
Last month in the league, the Kau Kau Boys held Bullets to a goalless draw, a result that dented our Super League title hopes.
In cup action, the two sides last met in 2021 in the FDH Bank Cup Round of 16, where Bullets ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Lanjesi Nkhoma and McPhallen Mgwira.
The winner of Saturday’s clash will face the victor of Mzuzu City Hammers and Mighty Wanderers in the semifinals. The Nomads are up North for another Saturday afternoon quarterfinal.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Head Coach Gilbert Chirwa says the team is ready for a tough test.
“We know for sure that we are meeting a good team even though they got relegated from the top-flight league. This is a cup game and it is very tricky. That’s why we have told the boys to take this match seriously. We believe it will be a tough game, but we are ready for it.”
TEAM NEWS
Peter Banda is fully fit again after missing two weeks of action due to an injury sustained against Songwe Border United in the Round of 32.
Lameck Gamphani has also rejoined the squad following his recent absence.
Chrispin Mapemba and Andrew Jovinala remain sidelined with long-term injuries and will not be available for selection against Tigers.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: Mighty Tigers vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: Castel Challenge Cup – Quarterfinal
Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre
Kick-off: 14:30
MATCH OFFICIALS
Godfrey Nkhakananga will take charge of the match as the centre referee, assisted by Lameck Phiri and Yohane Chiutika on the lines.
Mwayi Msungama will serve as the Fourth Official, with Moffat Champiti appointed as the match assessor.
TICKETING
Tickets for the Castel Challenge Cup quarterfinal between Mighty Tigers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will be sold on match day at Kamuzu Stadium.
Ticket prices are K5,000 for the Open Stands, K7,000 for the MBC Stand, K10,000 for the Covered Stands, and K15,000 for the VIP Stand.
Gates will open at 10:00 a.m., giving supporters plenty of time to purchase tickets and settle in ahead of the 14:30 kickoff.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Fans can follow live updates across the club’s digital platforms, including social media, the website, and the official WhatsApp channel.
Supporters unable to make it to match venue can also watch the match live on Mpira TV.
Be at Kamuzu Stadium or tune in online to support The People’s Team as they push for a place in the semifinals of the Castel Challenge Cup.
