FCB Nyasa Big Bullets secured a place in the Castel Challenge Cup final following a 2–0 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.
The People’s Team dominated large portions of the match, creating the better scoring opportunities while maintaining a disciplined defensive structure.
Wongani Lungu was the standout performer, scoring both goals against his former club. Yamikani Mologeni orchestrated play from the right flank, providing two assists and taking his tournament tally to six in four matches.
First Half: Bullets on Top, Lungu Strikes Before the Break
From the opening whistle, the home side set the tempo. Mologeni was influential on the right wing, delivering dangerous crosses and corners into the box.
Maintaining the same squad that defeated Mighty Tigers in last week’s quarterfinal, Gilbert Chirwa’s side lined up in a three-man attacking system.
Ephraim Kondowe led the line, with Lungu in a number 10 role linking midfield and attack. Maxwell Phodo operated on the left wing, providing width and pace.
Yankho Singo anchored the midfield, supported by Paul Master and Chawanangwa Gumbo, who helped maintain balance between attack and defense.
The defensive unit was well organized. Innocent Nyasulu kept another clean sheet, his third in the competition, as the hosts limited Hammers’ attacking opportunities. The backline of Blessings Mpokera, Khumbo Banda, and Henry Chiwaya ensured minimal space was given to the visitors.
Maule have now conceded only one goal in the tournament, against Ndirande Stars in the Round of 16.
Bullets created several early chances. In the 5th minute, Mologeni’s corner found Gumbo, whose follow-up effort was stopped by goalkeeper Innocent Kamwambi.
A header from Mpokera in the 14th minute went over the bar, and Phodo’s powerful strike in the 39th minute was tipped over by Kamwambi.
Hammers tried to respond, but the home side’s defensive organization proved effective. Yellow cards for Kondowe in the 25th minute and Singo seven minutes later reflected the intensity of the contest.
Persistence paid off in stoppage time of the first half. In the 4th minute of added time, Mologeni played a precise ball into the penalty area, and Lungu struck low and hard past Kamwambi to give the hosts a 1–0 lead at the break.
Half-Time: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 1–0 Mzuzu City Hammers
Second Half: Lungu Completes the Brace, Maule in Control
The visitors made early substitutions, introducing Hassan Luwembe and Samson Olatubasun to inject fresh energy.
Chirwa’s side brought on Hassan Kajoke for Kondowe to maintain balance and attacking threat.
The home side controlled possession and managed the game effectively. Hammers created few clear opportunities. In the 59th minute, Luwembe’s effort went over the bar following a defensive lapse.
Patience and precision were rewarded in the 72nd minute. Mologeni delivered another perfectly weighted pass into the box. Lungu finished clinically to make it 2–0, completing a brace against his former club and effectively sending Bullets to another cup final this season.
Further substitutions from both sides did not alter the scoreline. Frank Willard replaced Lungu in the 80th minute to see out the contest.
Late in stoppage time, Cliff Mbewe received a second yellow card, reducing Hammers to ten men. Despite late efforts, including a close-range attempt from Kajoke that rattled the post, Gilbert Chirwa’s side held firm to secure victory.
Full-Time: The People’s Team 2–0 Mzuzu City Hammers
Player of the Match
Lungu was the standout performer, scoring both goals that secured Bullets’ place in the Castel Challenge Cup final. Composed and clinical in the final third, he consistently troubled the Hammers’ defense and provided the decisive edge that carried The People’s Team to victory.
What It Means
The victory ensures that Bullets have booked another cup final this season, giving The People’s Team a chance to secure a second trophy after lifting the Airtel Top 8 against Silver Strikers—a team that Hammers eliminated in the Castel Challenge Cup Round of 16.
It has been a perfect run for Chirwa as interim head coach, who has now recorded five consecutive wins in all competitions since taking charge.
Bullets have scored 12 goals and conceded just one, highlighting their dominance and reinforcing their status as strong contenders for the national cup.
What’s Next
Bullets will face Goshen City Dedza Dynamos in the Castel Challenge Cup final at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 21st February 2026. Dedza earned their spot after defeating Blue Eagles 4–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
Chirwa’s side will aim to maintain their winning momentum and add another trophy to the club’s collection, completing what could be a memorable season for Maule, who narrowly missed out on the FDH Bank Cup and the TNM Super League.
