We return to knockout action this weekend as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets host Kamuzu Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
After a pause due to the FIFA international break, Peter Mponda’s men will be looking to book a place in the semifinals of the competition against familiar opponents in Malawi’s premier knockout tournament.
The People’s Team, the most successful club in the FDH Bank Cup since its launch in 2021, must be at their very best against Nicholas Mhango’s side, who will come out determined to challenge for a spot in the last four.
Nevertheless, Bullets will be aiming to make full use of home advantage in front of the Maule faithful at Kamuzu Stadium.
FORM GUIDE
Mponda’s charges are currently enjoying their best form across all competitions, winning their last six consecutive games.
Their FDH Bank Cup journey began in the Northern Region, where they recorded a 5-0 win over Chilumba Barracks to reach the Round of 16, followed by TNM Super League victories against Chitipa United (2-0) and Songwe Border United (3-1).
Back home, Bullets thrashed The Boys SFC 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals, before extending the winning streak in the league, beating Dedza Dynamos (3-0) and Silver Strikers (2-1) before the international break.
As for Kamuzu Barracks, the visitors have had mixed fortunes. They eliminated Bangwe All Stars on penalties to reach this stage after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. In the league, they’ve managed one win in their last five outings, beating Songwe Border United 1-0, drawing 2-2 with Mafco, and suffering defeats to Dedza Dynamos and Civil Service United.
They currently sit 8th in the TNM Super League with 26 points from 19 matches.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Saturday’s fixture marks the fourth knockout meeting between the two sides.
The first came in 2012 when KB edged Bullets 1-0 in the Carlsberg Cup through Harvey Nkacha’s strike — a campaign that saw the soldiers go on to lift the trophy.
Bullets got their revenge in a later Carlsberg Cup clash, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Chilomoni Stadium, before going on to win the tournament.
Their most recent cup meeting came in the 2023 Airtel Top 8 semifinals, where goals from Ephraim Kondowe and Blessings Mpokera earned Bullets a 2-0 win at Bingu National Stadium.
In their latest league encounter, Bullets were dominant again, beating Kamuzu Barracks 4-0 at Kamuzu Stadium to extend their unbeaten run against the visitors since 2019.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Speaking to the media ahead of the tie, assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa said the squad is ready for the challenge following the break.
“It’s a difficult but important match for us. Looking at how the players are training, we are very okay and ready. It’s a cup game, so we can’t rely on previous results — we just need to stay focused and serious from the start,” said Chirwa.
“We know Kamuzu Barracks are physical and competitive, but our preparations have been good, and we have plans to manage the game and get the result we need.”
TEAM NEWS
Chrispin Mapemba and Andrew Jovinala remain the only absentees for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets ahead of Saturday’s clash.
There is positive news for Chikumbutso Salima, who has recovered from the knock he sustained against Silver Strikers and is available for selection.
All players who were with the Malawi national team during the recent FIFA international break have rejoined training and are available for selection.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Kamuzu Barracks
Competition: FDH Bank Cup Quarterfinal
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium
Kick-off: 14:30
MATCH OFFICIALS
The match will be officiated by an experienced panel led by referee Godfrey Nkhakananga, who recently took charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Somalia and Algeria.
Referee: Godfrey Nkhakananga
Assistants: Wasili Samson, Mabvuto Godoya
Fourth Official: Gift Chicco
Match Commissioner: Fanny Nkosiyazi Minandi
HOW TO FOLLOW
Supporters are encouraged to fill Kamuzu Stadium and back The People’s Team as they aim for a semifinal spot in the FDH Bank Cup.
For those unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live on Mpira TV and also streamed live on FIFA+. Follow live updates across Bullets’ official digital platforms:
Facebook: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
X (Twitter): @nyasabigbullets
Instagram: @nyasabigbullets
Let’s pack Kamuzu Stadium, Maule. Back The People’s Team as they fight for a place in the FDH Bank Cup semifinals.
