FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to Airtel Top 8 action on Saturday to face Ekhaya at Mpira Stadium in the decisive 2nd Leg of our quarterfinal tie, with a place in the semifinals and our title defence on the line.
The sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, but Ekhaya’s away goal gives them a slender advantage heading into the return fixture under the competition’s away-goal rule.
Wedson Nyirenda’s men head into the contest on the back of three consecutive league victories, while Ekhaya arrive unbeaten in their last seven outings across all competitions, setting the stage for another closely contested encounter.
Form Guide
Bullets head into the decider unbeaten in all 10 matches across all competitions this season, winning seven and drawing three.
Nyirenda’s side have won each of our last three FDH Bank Premiership fixtures against Kamuzu Barracks, Masters FC and Creck Sporting Club, building momentum after an unbeaten start to the campaign.
Those victories have been underpinned by improved attacking efficiency and game management, with The People’s Team scoring twice in each of the last two outings.
Ekhaya also arrive in impressive form, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions. Their consistency has established them among the league’s early pacesetters while keeping alive their hopes of a first-ever Airtel Top 8 semifinal appearance.
Head-to-Head
Saturday’s encounter will be the fourth competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Bullets won both league meetings last season, recording a 1-0 victory at Kamuzu Stadium before completing the double with a 2-0 success at Mpira Stadium.
The first leg of this quarterfinal ended 1-1 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, leaving Ekhaya with the away-goal advantage heading into Saturday’s decider.
The Numbers That Matter
Bullets are unbeaten in all 10 matches across all competitions this season.
The People’s Team are the most successful club in Airtel Top 8 history, having lifted the trophy four times.
Bullets are the defending champions and are chasing a fourth consecutive Airtel Top 8 title.
The People’s Team have reached at least the semifinals in every edition of the competition since 2018.
Our last quarterfinal exit came in the inaugural 2017 tournament.
Team News
Midfielder Maxwell Phodo misses out after sustaining an injury in last weekend’s victory over Creck Sporting Club.
Paul Master remains sidelined through injury, while Chrispin Mapemba continues his rehabilitation from a long-term injury.
George Chaomba has resumed full training after recovering from a knock and is available for selection.
Tactical Focus
Bullets have shown greater attacking fluency in recent weeks, scoring twice in each of our last two matches after creating numerous opportunities throughout the season.
With the away-goal rule favouring Ekhaya, an early breakthrough would immediately swing the tie back in Bullets’ favour while forcing the visitors to adopt a more adventurous approach.
Rather than focusing on the opposition, Nyirenda wants his side to impose themselves on the contest by controlling possession, dictating the tempo and winning the ball back quickly.
Coach’s Thoughts
Head coach Wedson Nyirenda believes knockout football demands a different mindset from league competition, insisting his players must approach the occasion knowing only victory will extend their campaign.
“It has always been different. It will never be the same because a cup game is a cup game. The result is needed there and then. You are not looking for a draw or anything else. If you want to progress, you simply have to win.”
Nyirenda says Bullets must strike the right balance between attacking intent and defensive discipline while remaining true to their own style of play.
“We need to score the goals, defend well and manage the game properly. We want to dictate and act so that the other team will be reacting to our actions.”
Opposition View
Ekhaya head coach Enos Chatama believes the quarterfinal remains finely balanced despite his side taking an away-goal advantage into Saturday’s 2nd Leg.
“We know it’s at 1-1 and we have still got 90 minutes to fight for. It’s not going to be easy as cup games are always difficult.”
Chatama expects Bullets to throw everything at the tie but says his players are ready for the battle.
“We know Bullets will come at us, which is a possibility; as it is they know they’re out of the tournament. They will fight hard and our boys will also fight hard. They know what it takes to fight from the first whistle and defend the 1-1.”
Key Battle
Much of Saturday’s contest may ultimately be decided by how effectively Bullets convert sustained pressure into goals against one of the league’s most organised defensive units.
The away-goal rule means Ekhaya can afford to be patient, while Bullets know an early breakthrough would dramatically alter the complexion of the tie.
Whichever side shows greater composure in the decisive moments is likely to secure a place in the semifinals.
What’s At Stake
Victory would send Bullets into the Airtel Top 8 semifinals and keep alive our pursuit of a fourth consecutive title in the competition.
For Ekhaya, progression would represent the biggest cup achievement in the club’s history with a first appearance in the Airtel Top 8 semifinals.
Match Officials
Referee: Alfred Chilinda
Assistant Referee 1: Samuel Fudzulani
Assistant Referee 2: Hendrix Maseko
Fourth Official: Sahibu Kassim
Referee Assessor: Maxwell Mtonga
Match Details
Competition: Airtel Top 8
Fixture: Ekhaya vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Stage: Quarterfinal, 2nd Leg
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Date: Saturday, 11 July 2026
Kick-off: 14:30 CAT
How To Follow
Supporters can follow live updates throughout the afternoon on our official Facebook, X, Instagram Stories and WhatsApp Channel.
The match will be broadcast live on Mpira TV and streamed worldwide on FIFA+.
A full match report, post-match reaction and highlights will be available on nyasabigbullets.com after the final whistle.
