While the odds are stacked against Extreme FC as they face holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FDH Bank Cup at Civo Stadium this afternoon, the TNM Super League rookies believe they can cause another upset in the competition.
For Extreme, they have a score to settle against Bullets having lost 1-0 in the league at the same venue.
But this afternoon’s match provides them with a perfect opportunity to write another piece of history in the competition.
At stake is a place in the semi-finals.
Last year, Extreme reached the semi-finals of the competition in which they lost 2-1 to Bullets Reserve at Kamuzu Stadium.
For Bullets, they will be looking to defend the cup which they won after beating their own Reserve side 3-1 last year.
This is a tricky battle for either side.
Bullets defeated Balaka FC 2-0 in the round of 16 whereas Extreme beat Mbabzi United 1-0 at the same stage.
Though struggling in the league, Extreme caused a big upset when they beat Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 1-0 as they registered their first ever victory in top flight football.
Surely, Bullets should exercise caution against Extreme, whose coach Elvis Kafoteka said his troops are not intimidated by Bullets.
“We know that we are underdogs but we have potential to beat any team. If you want to be champions, beat the champions,” Kafoteka said.
The coach will miss the services of Francis Black and Aaron Chikuni due to illness.
On the part of Bullets, they have struggled in Lilongwe this season.
Coach Kalisto Pasuwa anticipates a tough match.
“Every team that plays Bullets is always motivated and they want to show their quality. We need to get everything right to win the match,” Pasuwa said.
He will be without Mike Mkwate and Ernest Petro due to injury.
In another quarterfinal match Bangwe All Stars host Mafco at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
