FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ journey in the 2025 FDH Bank Cup came to an end on Sunday afternoon following a 1-0 loss to Mighty Wanderers in the semifinal at Kamuzu Stadium.
A late strike from substitute Promise Kamwendo in the 88th minute decided the contest, as The People’s Team—who dominated much of the second half—were left to rue missed chances in a tense and emotional Blantyre derby.
Bright Start, Missed Chances
The semifinal derby kicked off under scorching Blantyre heat, with both sides showing intensity and purpose from the onset.
Bullets almost took the lead early on when Chrispin Mapemba’s header from Chikumbutso Salima’s cross drifted just wide. Wanderers responded through Adam Wallace, but his dangerous pass towards Thierry Samar Tajong was cut out by a sharp interception from Blessings Mpokera.
The People’s Team created another golden opportunity when Salima’s through ball found Maxwell Phodo, who fired wide with the hosts’ defence exposed. At the other end, Tajong headed over from Isaac Kaliyati’s delivery as the game continued to swing from end to end.
Despite several corners, Bullets couldn’t convert their pressure into a breakthrough, while Innocent Nyasulu was steady between the posts to deny Wanderers from set-pieces.
The half ended goalless, though tempers flared late in the half with Gumbo, Chilipa, and Phodo all booked for challenges as both teams battled for control.
Tactical Shift And Second-Half Pressure
Head coach Peter Mponda made a tactical adjustment at the break, bringing on Yamikani Mologeni and Paul Master for Gumbo and Phodo to inject more control and rhythm into midfield.
The substitutions immediately changed the tempo. Bullets began dominating possession, pushing Wanderers back into their half. Wongani Lungu came close with a stinging effort that was saved by Dalitso Khungwa, before the Nomads’ keeper again denied Bullets in a scramble inside the six-yard box.
The introduction of Ephraim Kondowe and Hassan Kajoke kept Bullets on the front foot as they searched for the opener, with Mpokera heading narrowly wide from another Mapemba corner.
However, despite sustained pressure, Bullets couldn’t find a way through Wanderers’ disciplined backline marshalled by Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi and Timothy Silwimba.
Late Blow Ends The Dream
Just when the match looked destined for extra time, the hosts struck.
A cross from the left flank caught the Bullets defence flat-footed, and substitute Kamwendo pounced, guiding the ball past Nyasulu in the 88th minute to give Wanderers the lead.
The People’s Team threw bodies forward in the seven minutes of added time, but the equaliser wouldn’t come, as Wanderers held firm to advance to the FDH Bank Cup Final.
What It Means
The defeat brings an end to Bullets’ FDH Bank Cup run—one that had seen The People’s Team lift the trophy in 2022 and 2023, before finishing as runners-up in 2024.
Despite the heartbreak, there were positives to take from a determined second-half display that reflected resilience and fighting spirit from Mponda’s men.
What’s Next
Attention now shifts to league duties as Bullets prepare for a crucial TNM Super League clash away to Blue Eagles on Thursday at Nankhaka Stadium.
With nine matches remaining in the campaign, The People’s Team remain firmly in the title race and will look to respond strongly as the push for silverware continues.
