A combination of fairy-tale and luck was the difference. Holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets needed a last-gasp magic strike from substitute Precious Phiri to book a semi-final berth against Moyale Barracks in the 2024 FDH Bank Cup after a 1-0 hard fought victory over 10-men Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium Sunday.
The sight at the soccer mecca was so special for the red side of town. They turned the facility into a theatre of celebrations. Indeed, it was a precious moment for Bullets and their fans.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Civil as they tumbled to the artificial turf of Kamuzu Stadium after the final whistle.
They could not believe what had befallen them after matching Bullets for the entire 94 minutes but within blink of an eye, they were out of the FDH Bank Cup. It was a goal made from heaven.
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The game was destined for the dreaded penalty shootouts. But Phiri, like a sneak thief, beat Civil goalkeeper Rahman John with probably the last kick of the match after a pass from Babatunde Adepoju.
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Phiri only had less than 10 minutes when he came on for fellow substitute Stanley Biliati, who had replaced injured Chikumbutso Salima.
Blaring car horns, red and white flags was the most outstanding feature in Blantyre.
Like frightened dogs, Civil trooped out of the facility crestfallen.
After dominating possession for the better part of the match, Civil should also blame themselves for missing a glut of chances, with Chikaiko Batison the main culprit.
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On the flip side, Civil should also count themselves unlucky after defender Charles Mafaiti was shown a red card in the 81st minute for a second bookable offence.
On the other hand, Bullets also missed some chances in the second half.
Relief was the prevalent emotion on the part of Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa after the victory.
“Our opponents gave us a good run for our money. They came well prepared but we got the goal after they lost concentration,” Pasuwa, who is eyeing his third consecutive FDH Bank Cup title, said.
Civil assistant coach Wilson Chidati was deeply hurt with the loss.
“We matched them pound for pound but football is like that. We lost concentration in the dying minutes and we got punished,” Chidati said.
The semi-final line-up was complete Sunday after Blue Eagles fairy-tale continued as they knocked Baka City out of the competition following a 0-3 victory at Karonga Stadium.
Schumacher Kuwali netted a brace whereas Paul Master scored the other goal.
Eagles will face Karonga United, who stunned Mafco 2-1 at Chitowe Stadium on Saturday.
Eagles coach Elia Kananji said his charges were determined to win the cup.
“We want to win it this year. We are not intimidated playing against Super League teams,” Kananji said.
Baka coach Kondwani Mwalweni was not happy with the officiating panel.
“We conceded the first goal. We tried to come back into the game but the second goal frustrated us,” Mwalweni said.
Moyale will face Bullets after beating Lube Masters 2-1 at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday.
