Blue Eagles and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are familiar foes in domestic football, and this afternoon, they face-off in the semi-final of the Airtel Top 8 at Bingu National Stadium.
At stake is a spot in the final of the competition. Eagles and Bullets have won the Airtel Top 8 once each since it was introduced in 2017.
The Area 30 based side won it after beating Bullets 1-0 courtesy of Stuart Mbunge’s late penalty at the same venue in 2018 whereas Bullets lifted the cup in 2021 after a 3-2 victory over Silver Strikers on post-match penalties following 1-1 stalemate.
The two teams are meeting for the third time this season in all competitions.
Bullets beat Eagles 3-0 in the TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium before a goal-less stalemate at Nankhaka Stadium two weeks ago.
- Advertisement -
Heading into the match, Bullets will be looking to return to winning ways having drawn three matches and lost once in four league matches.
Bullets lost 1-0 to Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar on Thursday in a league match.
On the part of Eagles, they were on bye in the league last weekend having remained with one game to wind up the season.
In all fairness, Bullets have quality in abundance and they can crash any force in domestic football.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Despite their recent struggle, Bullets will be hoping to become the first team to reach the Airtel Top 8 final for the fourth time and three consecutive years.
The People’s Team reached the final in 2018, 2021 and recently last year in which they lost 5-3 to rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on post-match penalties after a goal-less stalemate in regulation time.
But Silver Strikers are the only team with rich history having won the competition twice in 2017 and 2019.
In 2017, they beat Wanderers 10-9 on post-match penalties before beating Karonga United 2-0 in 2019. Eagles have been inconsistent this season but on a good day they can cause plenty of problems for any team. Coach Eliya Kananji believes the Eagles have what it takes to reach the final.
“We will go flat out. This is our chance to win a trophy. We will not lose it without a fight,” Kananji said.
Eagles will be without injured Schumacher Kuwali whereas Sankhani Mkandawire, Arthur Moffat, Chikondi Mvula and Franco Ndawa Jnr are also out on another assignment.
Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa said his troops should exercise caution against Eagles.
“Every team that plays Bullets is always motivated so we expect a difficult match,” Pasuwa said.
Bullets will be without Frank Willard, Gomezgani Chirwa, Kesten Simbi and Mike Mkwate due to injuries while Alick Lungu and Ernest Petro have recovered.
Super substitute Ephraim Kondowe can lift Bullets when the chips are down. On their way to the semi-finals, Eagles knocked out Moyale Barracks 4-3 on aggregate whereas Bullets eliminated Civil Service United 3-2 on aggregate.
