Nyasa Big Bullets Assistant Coach Peter Mponda has said his charges are aiming at nothing short of a win when facing Azam FC at Azam Complex at the ongoing Cecafa Kagame Cup this afternoon.
This is Bullets’ biggest test in this year’s competition as they are yet to lose after two draws and one win in three group stage matches.
History is also in the making if Bullets win today’s match as they will become the second Malawian team to reach the Cecafa Cup final after Admarc Tigers (Mighty Tigers) in 1983.
The two teams have never met in Cecafa Cup history. Azam, who registered two wins and one loss in the group stages, are also hoping to book a place in the final.
Both teams are aware that a lot is at stake as the champions of this year’s Cecafa Cup will pocket $30,000 (about K24 million) whereas the runners-up will cart home $20,000 (about K16 million). Third and fourth-place teams will pocket $10,000 (about K8.2million) each.
Mponda said his troops were not intimidated to play Azam at their own backyard.
“I believe everybody is doing everything to stop us but I believe we have good chances of reaching the Cecafa final. We came here to give exposure to the young lads. At this stage, we do not have room to make mistakes,” Mponda said.
In this afternoon’s match, Mponda is likely to feature a strong squad, with Captain Chimwemwe Idana, strikers Chiukepo Msowoya and Babatunde Adepoju carrying Bullets’ hopes.
Azam Captain goalkeeper Benedict Florence Haule told Cafonline that they were determined to win the match in front of home fans.
“We know the team from Malawi is good and we shall face them with a lot of caution,” Haule is quoted as saying.
Azam will rely on Haule, Iddy Kipangwile and Paul Peter in today’s match.
Bullets finished second in Group A with five points whereas Azam finished top in Group B with six points from three matches.
