FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ Airtel Top 8 title defence came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday afternoon as Ekhaya advanced to the semifinals with a 7-6 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinal second leg at Mpira Stadium.
Peter Banda’s stunning second-half free-kick cancelled out Allen Chihana’s first-half opener to level the tie at 2-2 on aggregate, but the hosts held their nerve from the spot to progress.
The result ended Bullets’ quest for a record-extending fifth Airtel Top 8 title despite another spirited display from Wedson Nyirenda’s side.
Chihana strikes before the break
Nyirenda made one change to the side that defeated Creck Sporting Club in the FDH Bank Premiership last weekend, handing Misheck Billiat his first start under the Bullets head coach in place of the injured Maxwell Phodo.
Bullets made the brighter start and almost took the lead inside the opening quarter-hour when Clever Kalambo struck the post after meeting an inviting delivery from Yamikani Mologeni.
Billiat also looked lively early on, delivering a dangerous cross into the area that was intercepted just before Kalambo could apply the finishing touch.
Ekhaya gradually settled into the contest and almost carved out an opening before captain Blessings Mpokera produced a vital clearance to deny the hosts.
Ekhaya eventually broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when Chihana found the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead on the day and a 2-1 advantage on aggregate heading into the break.
Banda levels the tie
Nyirenda reacted at the restart by introducing Peter Banda and Chawanangwa Gumbo for George Chaomba and Frank Willard.
The changes had the desired effect.
Banda produced a moment of quality in the 57th minute, curling a magnificent free-kick beyond Clever Mkungula from around 25 yards to level both the match and the aggregate score.
The contest grew increasingly tense as both sides searched for the decisive goal.
Hassan Kajoke and Isaiah Nyirenda were booked following an off-the-ball altercation before Innocent Nyasulu produced a brilliant save to deny Blessings Malinda, with the Bullets defence standing firm from the resulting corner.
Bullets also had opportunities to settle the tie before the final whistle.
Peter Banda fired over from close range after being picked out by Hassan Kajoke.
Moments later, Ephraim Kondowe failed to convert after being found unmarked by Clever Kalambo’s excellent cross.
With the scores still level after 90 minutes, the quarterfinal was decided by a penalty shootout.
Shootout heartbreak
Blessings Mpokera, Andrew Jovinala, Emmanuel Kaunga, Hassan Kajoke, Chawanangwa Gumbo and Madalitso Safuli all converted their penalties for Bullets, while Ephraim Kondowe saw his effort saved.
Yamikani Mologeni struck the woodwork with Bullets’ eighth penalty before Alfred Chizinga failed to capitalise, missing for Ekhaya to keep the shootout alive.
Peter Banda also hit the crossbar with Bullets’ ninth penalty, allowing Chimwemwe Chunga to convert the decisive spot-kick and send Ekhaya into the semifinals with a 7-6 shootout victory.
Bullets now turn their focus back to the FDH Bank Premiership, where Nyirenda’s men will look to continue their encouraging start under the Zambian coach.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets XI
24 Innocent Nyasulu; 31 Prince Chiumia (21 Andrew Jovinala 90+1′), 2 Yamikani Mologeni, 4 Blessings Mpokera (C), 26 Emmanuel Kaunga; 6 Frank Willard (29 Chawanangwa Gumbo 46′), 19 Wongani Lungu (12 Madalitso Safuli 77′); 28 Misheck Billiat (9 Hassan Kajoke 34′), 11 Clever Kalambo, 22 George Chaomba (7 Peter Banda 46′); 13 Ephraim Kondowe.
Substitutes not used
1 Pilirani Mapira, 14 Sean McBrams, 18 Dastan Banda, 30 Aaron Chilipa.
Ekhaya FC XI
31 Clever Mkungula; 14 Andrew Lameck (C), 4 Vincent Salawila, 7 Isaiah Nyirenda, 11 Chimwemwe Chunga, 17 Hermas Masinja (5 Aubrey Simbi 87′), 19 Happy Mphepo (21 Charles Mafaiti 77′), 20 Allen Chihana (42 Alfred Chizinga 87′), 25 James Lumbe, 29 Samuel Khedira Rukura, 47 Blessings Malinda.
Substitutes not used
13 Lucky Tizola, 18 Davie Juwawo, 23 Wongani Kaponya, 26 Josephy McDonald, 27 Gift Chunga, 98 Levison Mnyenyembe.
Match Statistics
Goals: Allen Chihana 43′ (Ekhaya), Peter Banda 57′ (Bullets).
Penalty shootout: Ekhaya won 7-6.
Bookings: Emmanuel Kaunga, Hassan Kajoke, Yamikani Mologeni (Bullets); Isaiah Nyirenda (Ekhaya).
Match Details
Fixture: Ekhaya FC vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: Airtel Top 8 Quarterfinal Second Leg
Date: 11 July 2026
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Ekhaya 1-1 Bullets (Agg: 2-2) – Ekhaya won 7-6 on penalties.
