FCB Nyasa Big Bullets start the Castel Challenge Cup journey in the Round of 64 against Kumanda All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Unfamiliar opponents, Kalisto Pasuwa’s men have an idea of what to expect when facing an unknown team, having played non-league sides Lipulumundu FC and Soche Socials in the same competition last season.
Pasuwa has continuously reminded his players that every team facing The People’s Team wants to make a name for itself, and Bullets ought to be at their level best to proceed to the next stage of the competition.
FORM GUIDE
The defending champions go into the clash having won four of our last five TNM Super League games, including the recent 1-0 victory over Mafco.
The outcome of Mafco’s game will buoy Bullets’ confidence as they start the Castel Challenge Cup defence.
The result aside, Maule played with intent, pace and precision, a performance that will likely give hope after their slow start to the 2024 campaign.
Prior to beating Mafco, Bullets won against Chitipa United, Creck Sporting Club and Baka City, before playing to a goalless draw away to Mzuzu City Hammers, pushing us up the table to third position with 37 points.
With the focus now fixed on advancing to the Last 32 of the Castel Challenge Cup, the Malawi champions now face a tricky opposition in Kumanda All Stars, an outfit seemingly determined to emulate the giants-killing feats the tournament has been known to dish up since its launch last season.
Our opponents qualified for this stage after they won their appeal against Tafika FC.
During their match, their opposition allegedly used three cup-tied players, forcing Kumanda to play under protest.
The regulation time ended 1-1, but our opponents lost 6-5 on penalties. However, they proceeded to the national level as Tafika were eliminated from the competition for using ineligible players.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
It will be a historic occasion at Kamuzu Stadium, with the two sides facing off for the first time.
TEAM NEWS
Pasuwa will welcome back Ephraim Kondowe and Alick Lungu after the duo recovered from injuries and are available for selection.
But midfielder Wongani Lungu is on the sidelines, nursing the wounds he suffered after Mafco players stamped on him during our TNM Super League match at the Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.
Bullets will also be without midfielder Lloyd Aaron, who is with Malawi for the back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Senegal.
Mike Mkwate continues his rehabilitation on the road to full recovery from a lengthy injury.
KICK-OFF TIME AND HOW TO WATCH THE MATCH
Our Castel Challenge Cup R64 encounter against Kumanda AS will kick off at 15h00. You can catch all the action live on Mpira TV and MBC TV. It will also be streamed on FIFA+. Match updates will also be available on our Facebook and X (Twitter) channels.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mwayi Msungama
Assistant Referee 1: Happiness Mbandambanda
Assistant Referee 2: Mussa Grant
Fourth Official: MacDonald Phiri
