FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are in the Northern Region for the Castel Challenge Cup Round of 16 tie against Hilltop United on Wednesday afternoon at Mzuzu Stadium.
This cup offers Kalisto Pasuwa’s 2023 quadruple-winning Bullets an opportunity to finish this season with a second trophy after losing the FDH Bank Cup and the TNM Super League.
To progress to the next round, Pasuwa’s troops must overcome a non-league side that defeated a TNM Super League to reach this stage.
The winner of Wednesday’s tie will proceed to the last eight of the national competition and will take on MMF Marines at Dedza Stadium on Saturday.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets go into this encounter fresh from their three straight league wins over FOMO, Karonga United and Kamuzu Barracks, to finish the campaign in third place with 55 points.
Pasuwa’s charges beat FOMO 2-0 at Mulanje Park, before beating Karonga 3-1 and KB 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.
Despite losing the title to The Bankers, these three straight victories will give Maule the much-needed momentum ahead of the midweek encounter, which is a must-win for the defending champions.
Bullets reached this stage after hammering Kumanda All Stars 22-1 in the Round of 64, before shooting down Changalume Barracks 5-0 in the last 32.
Hilltop United beat Chanthomba United 6-0 then knocked out the TNM Super League relegated Baka City 3-2 on penalties to reach the Round of 16.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There is nothing to write about this encounter as this will be the first-ever meeting between Bullets and Hilltop United.
TEAM NEWS
Pasuwa continues life without Chrispin Mapemba, Blessings Mpokera and Clyde Senaji, who are still out with injuries.
Zimbabwean midfielder Ronald Chitiyo is also not part of the squad that travelled to Mzuzu for Wednesday’s match.
But the good news is that Bullets will welcome back Ephraim Kondowe, who missed the last match against KB due to a suspension.
KICK-OFF TIME AND HOW TO WATCH THE MATCH
Our Castel Challenge Cup Round-of-32 tie against Changalume Barracks at the Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe will kick off at 15h00.
Castel Challenge Cup games are not broadcasted on TV or steamed on FIFA+, but you can catch all live text updates on our Facebook and X (Twitter) channels.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Edson Chagara
Assistant Referee 1: Samuel Fudzulani
Assistant Referee 2: McMillan Msopenge
Fourth Official: Meluce Nyirongo
Match Commissioner: Chauka Mwasinga
