Big Bullets shoot down Blue Eagles
Nyasa Big Bullets Sunday progressed to the Fisd Challenge Cup semi-finals after beating Blue Eagles 8-7 on post-match penalties at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Bullets became the second team to reach the semi-finals after Masters Security FC, who defeated Dedza Soccer Saints 1-0 at Dedza Stadium on Saturday.
After a goal-less draw in regulation time, the match was decided by penalty shoot-outs. Semu Banda missed the decisive penalty for Eagles after Chimango Kayira had scored for Bullets.
It was celebration time for Bullets as they reached the second semi-final this season.
The People’s Team is gunning for its second trophy of the season, having won the Carlsberg Cup. Gilbert Chirwa, Maxwell Salambula, Vitumbiko Kumwenda, Micium Mhone, Gregory Nachipo, Oswald Maonga, Alupheous Nyoni scored for Eagles whereas Chiukepo Msowoya, Mussa Manyenje, Jimmy Zakazaka, Pilirani Zonda, Emmanuel Zoya, John Lanjesi converted their spot-kicks for Bullets.
It was a closely-contested affair as both teams created a handful of chances but failed to score. Msowoya hit the post in the second-half while Salambula also missed some chances for Eagles.
Eagles Team Manager, Ken Mponda, conceded defeat although he expressed disappointment that the game was played on what he described as a neutral venue.
“We had opportunities to finish Bullets off but luck was not on our side. We are out now and we have to focus on TNM Super League games,” said Mponda who had a stint with Bullets during his playing days.
His Bullets counterpart, James Chilapondwa, was over the moon with the victory.
“It was a tough game and both teams got chances. We will not relax because the battle is still on,” Chilapondwa said.
The quarter-finals involving military teams were postponed due to the death of soldiers in a car accident. Kamuzu Barracks were scheduled to face Azam Tigers on Saturday whereas Moyale Barracks were expected to meet Umodzi FC at Kalulu Stadium.
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