FCB Nyasa Big Bullets continue their quest to defend the Airtel Top 8 crown this Saturday evening as we take on Karonga United in the semifinals at Bingu National Stadium.
Fresh from Sunday’s league victory over Mighty Tigers to keep us atop the TNM Super League standings, Peter Mponda’s squad now shifts attention back to cup competition, eyeing a sixth trip to the final in this tournament.
FORM GUIDE
The People’s Team heads into this clash riding high after a convincing 2-0 win against Mighty Tigers, bouncing back from their recent derby loss to Mighty Wanderers prior to the international break. Before that defeat, Bullets registered a string of wins over Silver Strikers, Creck Sporting Club, Dedza Dynamos, Chitipa United, and Kamuzu Barracks.
Karonga United, meanwhile, come into the fixture buoyed by a 2-0 triumph over Mzuzu City Hammers in league play.
Road to the Semifinals
Bullets booked their semifinal spot with a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate win against Creck Sporting Club, thanks to Maxwell Phodo’s crucial goal in the second leg at Nankhaka Stadium.
Karonga United pulled off a memorable comeback in the quarters, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to Wanderers with an impressive 2-0 victory in the second leg, advancing 2-1 on aggregate.
Karonga United Return to Bingu
This weekend marks Karonga United’s first visit to Bingu National Stadium in six years. The team last played at the venue in the 2019 Airtel Top 8 final, falling 1-0 to Silver Strikers.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two teams will be squaring off for the third time in the Airtel Top 8. Back in 2022, Bullets dominated their quarterfinal matchup, winning 7-0 in the first leg and securing a 1-1 draw in the second for an 8-1 aggregate victory.
In league encounters, we have faced off twelve times: Bullets have emerged victorious in eight of those games, with two draws and two wins for Karonga.
TEAMS NEWS
Chrispin Mapemba remains sidelined by injury and will miss out on this fixture. Clyde Senaji is also unavailable.
There’s hope for Peter Banda to make his long-anticipated return after recovering from a long-term injury. Chikumbutso Salima and Yankho Singo, both of whom missed the previous outing due to injuries suffered during national team duty at the COSAFA Cup, are also hopeful to be fit for selection.
MPONDA’S PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
KICK OFF TIME AND HOW TO WATCH THE MATCH
Don’t miss the Airtel Top 8 semifinal between Bullets and Karonga United, kicking off at 18:00 at Bingu National Stadium. Follow all the action live on Mpira TV and FIFA+, or stay up-to-date with instant highlights on our Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Easter Zimba has been appointed to officiate the match, marking his second time this season presiding over a Bullets fixture—his previous assignment being the Super League season opener against Silver Strikers at this very venue.
Assisting him on the sidelines will be Clemence Kanduku as first assistant referee and Evance Msonda as second assistant referee. Alfred Chilinda takes on the role of fourth official, while Symon Jovinala will oversee proceedings as the match assessor.
Referee: Easter Zimba
Assistant Ref: Clemence Kanduku
Assistant Ref: Evans Msonda
Fourth Official: Alfred Chilinda
Referees’ Assessor: Simon Jovinala
