A huge task awaits FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as they return to Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon for another Blantyre derby, this time in the FDH Bank Cup semifinals, against city rivals Mighty Wanderers.
Billed as “the final before the final”, the encounter carries both prestige and purpose — a place in the FDH Bank Cup Final and the chance for The People’s Team to bounce back from last Sunday’s 3-0 league defeat at the hands of the same opponents.
FORM GUIDE
Before last weekend’s loss, Peter Mponda’s side were in fine form, winning eight consecutive matches across all competitions. They reached the semifinal by beating Chilumba Barracks, The Boys, and Kamuzu Barracks in earlier rounds of the FDH Bank Cup, while also collecting crucial league victories over Chitipa United, Songwe Border United, Dedza Dynamos, Silver Strikers, and Mafco FC.
That run was halted in the 3-0 defeat to Wanderers, the heaviest derby loss for Bullets in years. The team will now look to respond in emphatic fashion and restore confidence.
Wanderers, meanwhile, head into the match as the only unbeaten team in the TNM Super League, leading the table with 51 points from 21 matches. Their route to the semifinals included a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Creck Sporting Club in Mchinji following a goalless draw in regulation time.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Blantyre rivals have faced each other 78 times in all competitions since 1967. While Wanderers have enjoyed the upper hand in the league this season, Bullets hold a commanding record in knockout competitions — particularly over the past decade.
Bullets have won six of the last nine cup meetings between the two sides, with Wanderers winning three. The most recent semifinal encounter came in 2023’s Castel Challenge Cup, which Bullets won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
In the FDH Bank Cup, Bullets have eliminated Wanderers twice — including a memorable 4-0 semifinal win in 2022, when goals from Gomezgani Chirwa, Hassan Kajoke, Anthony Mfune, and Babatunde Adepoju sealed passage to the final.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, head coach Peter Mponda admitted the recent defeat was painful but stressed the importance of lifting the players’ spirits and keeping belief within the camp.
“Losing 3-0 to Wanderers was very painful — it was a bad performance, very discouraging to the players looking at how hard they’ve been working. My job is to lift their spirits, instil belief, and get them ready to go again,” he said.
Mponda added that the team has responded well in training:
“We’ve analysed what went wrong and talked about it. The mood is positive, and everyone knows what’s at stake. This game gives us the chance to make our supporters happy again and reach another final.”
TEAM NEWS
Bullets have been boosted by the return of Yankho Singo, who missed the recent matches against Mafco and Wanderers due to a groin injury sustained during the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal win over Kamuzu Barracks on 18 October.
The 25-year-old midfielder, one of the team’s most consistent performers this season, is back in full training and in contention for selection. His composure, ball recovery, and link-up play between defence and attack will provide added balance to Mponda’s midfield setup.
With Singo available, Bullets have a full squad to choose from ahead of Sunday’s derby.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: David Chinoko
Assistant Referee 1: Clemence Kanduku
Assistant Referee 2: Samuel Fudzulani
Fourth Official: Mercy Kayira
Match Assessor: Duncan Lengani
This weekend’s derby will be Chinoko’s third time officiating the fixture. The Northern Region referee first took charge on 26 October 2024, when Bullets defeated Wanderers 2-1 in the league at Kamuzu Stadium, and also handled the 1-0 first-round meeting earlier this season.
HOW TO FOLLOW
The match will be broadcast live on Mpira TV, MBC TV, and streamed worldwide on FIFA+.
Fans can also stay tuned to The People’s Team’s official Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram pages for exclusive matchday updates, live commentary, and post-match reactions.
It’s Derby Sunday, Maule. Let’s rally behind The People’s Team as they battle for a spot in the 2025 FDH Bank Cup Final. Together, we rise.
