FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda described Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Mighty Wanderers in the FDH Bank Cup semifinal as “painful to take,” saying his players gave everything to win the derby at Kamuzu Stadium.
Coming from a 3-0 league defeat against the same opponents a week earlier, The People’s Team delivered a far stronger performance — dominating possession and creating numerous chances — but were punished late on as Wanderers snatched the winner to reach the final.
The result means the Nomads have now beaten Bullets three times this season — twice in the TNM Super League and once in the FDH Bank Cup — ending The People’s Team’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy they lifted in 2022 and 2023.
Speaking to the media after the match, Mponda expressed his disappointment but praised his team’s response and fighting spirit.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Painful because of how we played — we dominated, created chances, and did everything to win. Unfortunately, they capitalised on one lapse in marking and scored late to punish us. It hurts, but that’s football,” he said.
Despite the result, the Bullets mentor urged his players to quickly regroup and refocus on the league campaign as the title race continues.
“We need to regroup quickly and keep the players motivated. It’s not easy to take, but the focus now shifts to the Blue Eagles game on Thursday. The boys gave everything, and even though we lost, the belief in this team remains strong. The title race is still alive.”
Reflecting on the difference in performance from last week’s defeat, Mponda attributed it to the team’s determination to respond positively.
“There wasn’t much difference tactically — it was all about the players’ courage and hunger to respond. They showed character, and though the result went against us, we take the positives and move forward,” he concluded.
Next Fixture
The People’s Team will look to bounce back when they travel to Nankhaka Stadium to face Blue Eagles in a midweek TNM Super League fixture on Thursday.
