Civil Service United go into the second leg of the 2023 Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon in what some believe is mission impossible for the civil servants.
Heading into the battle, Civil have a huge mountain to climb after losing 2-0 in the first leg at home two weeks ago.
For Bullets, they are one leg into the last four of the Airtel Top 8 and they just need a draw in this afternoon’s match.
However, there is a feeling in Civil’s camp that they can turn the tables against a side that has not lost at home this season.
In the league’s second round match, Civil lost 3-2 to Bullets at the same venue despite leading 2-0 in the first half.
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Honestly, the odds are stacked against the Servants who are looking for their first silverware since 2015 when they won the won defunct Standard Bank Cup.
On the part of Bullets, they are gunning for their second silverware after retaining the FDH Bank Cup.
Again, the two teams have also registered contrasting fortunes in the league this season.
Bullets are on the driving seat of the 16-member log table and are close to retaining the title whereas Civil are fighting for relegation.
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Heading into the match, Bullets registered a 3-2 victory over another Lilongwe outfit Kamuzu Barracks whereas Civil at home, in midweek league games. drew 0-0 against Chitipa United
Although Bullets have an advantage heading into the match, but there is 90 minutes for both teams to decide the contest.
Civil can be rated underdogs in this tie but football has full of surprises.
Bullets have not been at their best this season but they have been able to grind out positive results in crucial matches.
Coach Kalisto Pasuwa said after the first leg that the battle was not over yet.
“We should not underrate them in the second leg. In cup matches, we need to raise our game and do everything right to advance to the semi-finals,’’ Pasuwa said.
Bullets will still be without Mike Mkwate, Alick Lungu, Ernest Petro and Kesten Simbi due to injuries but they have several weapons such as Patrick Mwaungulu, Lanjesi Nkhoma and Clyde Senaji.
Civil interim coach Abasi Makawa has declared total war on Bullets.
“We have nothing to lose so we will go there flat out. We will take the game to them. We believe we can go there and get a good result,’’ Makawa, who will be looking for a win in his second game in charge of Civil, said.
On a good day, Civil play as a unit like swarm of bees.
Binwel Katinji, Patrick Phiri, Innocent Tanganyika and Luke Chima are available for selection.
The winner between Bullets and Civil will join Mafco and Blue Eagles in the semi-finals of the competition.
Mafco knocked out Kamuzu Barracks on an away goal-rule after 1-1 on aggregate whereas Eagles beat Moyale 4-3 on aggregate.
The second leg between defending champions Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers has been shifted to a later date due to the ongoing case after the holders appealed against the verdict over first leg fracas.
