FCB Nyasa Big Bullets ensured they would appear in back-to-back FDH Bank Cup finals following a convincing 3-1 victory over Moyale Barracks at the Bingu National Stadium on Wednesday night.
For the first time in decades, a cup match involving domestic teams was played under the floodlights and on the field of play, the two teams didn’t disappoint as they dished out an entertaining match to the satisfaction of the spectators who came out in large numbers.
The match was delayed for a further 30 minutes following reports that the hosts’ bus developed a fault when they were supposed to leave for the match venue.
In-form striker Babatunde Adepoju scored twice and fed Ephraim Kondowe as Bullets maintained their 100 per cent winning record in the FDH Bank Cup semi-finals with a third victory to book a place in the September 1 decider at the same venue.
What happenedÂ
Straight from a 2-1 victory over Zambia’s Red Arrows in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg tie, Kalisto Pasuwa’s men had another important task to fulfil before flying to Lusaka for the return match on Saturday.
The Zimbabwean made five changes to the side that won on Sunday by introducing Blessings Mpokera, Frank Willard, Stanley Billiat, Kondowe and Chawanangwa Gumbo to his starting XI in place of Clyde Senaji, Precious Sambani, Lloyd Aaron, Yankho Singo and Maxwell Phodo.
In a fast-paced opening half against the soldiers, The People’s Team had an opportunity right from the first whistle as they charged forward through Babatunde. The Nigerian made an excellent run on the left flank before hitting the ball straight at Maneno Nyoni for a corner kick which the hosts easily defended.
On possession, Bullets dominated the play, kept their opponents at bay and moved in the offensive zone with pace, but the defensive duo of Victor Mwale and Nyoni made sure Moyale were solid at the back.
The Lions of Kaning’ina had their first attempt at goal in the 15th minute when their talisman and FDH Bank Cup leading scorer, Emmanuel Allan, released a powerful strike that forced Richard Chimbamba to make the first serious save of the game.
Bullets remained in the hosts’ half of the pitch in search of the opening goal which they eventually got in the 21st minute.
Babatunde made a brilliant run to the right flank before sending a low pass into the box to find Kondowe who made no mistake but to slot the ball past Olyce Nkhwazi, 0-1.
The holders made it 2-0 in the 25th minute following yet another brilliant counter-attacking football from the right flank of the field.
Willard spotted Billiat to the far end and the winger made an excellent run before sending a dangerous pass into the box to Babatunde who had a simple task of just slotting the ball past the defenceless Nkhwazi, 0-2.
Despite conceding the two goals, Mwansa’s men did not take their foot off the pedal as they pressed in a bid for an equalizer which they almost had in the 29th minute when Mpokera brought down Khumbo Mhone on the edge of the penalty area.
Nyoni stepped up, however, the former Bullets defender was unfortunate to see his goal-bound effort hitting the wall for a corner kick which almost resulted in a goal but Ronald Chitiyo made a timely clearance to deny Allan from finding the back of the net.
With 33 minutes played, Mwansa brought in Chifundo Damba for Bornface Chuma as he looked to add more firepower upfront.
Within five minutes before the recess, the Mzuzu-based soldiers had three corner kicks which were all dealt with by Nickson Nyasulu’s led defense.
Another set piece on the stroke of 45 minutes came close to the home side reducing the arrears as defender Mwale flicked the ball towards Chimbamba’s near post, but the Bullets keeper had it covered as he dived low to his left to make a save and that was all for the half.
The start of the second period saw the hosts dominating possession as Bullets dropped their energy levels, especially in the middle of the field where Chitiyo looked weary and wasn’t able to contain the dominating midfield of Clifford Chimulambe and Peter Ng’ambi.
For the next seven minutes, Pasuwa’s men were exposed to an intense attack from the hosts who were coming with guns blazing and they nearly reduced the arrears in the 48th minute when Luke Chima connected well from Damba’s cross into the penalty box, but his powerful header missed Chimbamba’s upright with an inch.
Moyale’s toil for a goal ended in the 53rd minute when Allan connected Damba’s delivery into the box, beating Chimbamba from close range, 1-2.
This goal set a dramatic close to the contest as the Lions of Kaning’ina sensed an opportunity to draw level.
After the hour-mark, Pasuwa brought in Lloyd Aaron for Chitiyo to try to regain control of the midfield which, at the moment, was in the hands of the hosts.
The coming in of Aaron brought stability in the middle of the park for Pasuwa’s men but Moyale kept sending long balls into the area that kept Bullets’ defenders under massive pressure.
It was an action-packed match, with Moyale controlling possession while Bullets, who were slowly showing signs of fatigue, were now second on the ball.
It appeared as if the equalizer was not far until another decisive moment with 19 minutes left on the clock, brought about by Babatunde.
The forward won the ball inside Bullets’ half in the 71st minute and wrestled his way into the offensive zone before dribbling past Mwale, Lovemore Jere, Nyoni and rounded off Nkhwazi to slot the ball into an empty net, bagging his third goal in this edition of the FDH Bank Cup, 1-3.
This goal was all that Bullets needed and Pasuwa knew the job was done and dusted as he brought in Sean McBrams and Sambani for Billiat and Kondowe.
Mwansa’s men had a few half-chances in the dying moments, the best of which came from Chima who went wide from range.
They were however unable to claw their way back into the contest as the defending champions closed out the game to book their third consecutive FDH Bank Cup final spot.
Bullets suffered a late setback when Aaron suffered a wrist injury. The midfielder will be assessed to determine if he will be fit for Saturday’s return match against Red Arrows in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round away in Lusaka.
Babatunde was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance, bagging two goals and providing an assist.
Bullets will face Blue Eagles in the 2024 FDH Bank Cup final at the same Bingu National Stadium next month.
