FCB Nyasa Big Bullets wrote their name into football history books on Saturday night. The team became the first club to reach five straight Airtel Top 8 Cup finals after beating Karonga United 2-1. They played the match at Bingu National Stadium with thousands of fans watching. The defending champions controlled much of the game from start to finish. This victory gives them their sixth final appearance overall.
Bullets started the match with energy and created several early scoring chances. Chikumbutso Salima scored the opening goal in the 26th minute with a header from Peter Banda's free kick. Karonga United fought back hard and had some good opportunities to score. Their goalkeeper Maclean Mwale made several important saves to keep his team in the game. The first half ended with Bullets leading 1-0.
The second half brought more excitement as both teams pushed for goals. Robert Luhanga scored for Karonga United in the 53rd minute to tie the game at 1-1. The crowd erupted as the underdogs found their equalizer from a well-placed free kick. Hassan Kajoke came through for Bullets just ten minutes later with the winning goal. Substitute Chawanangwa Gumbo set up the decisive strike with a perfect pass.
Both coaches praised their players after the final whistle. Peter Mponda said his team showed good fighting spirit despite some defensive problems. Oscar Kaunda congratulated Bullets and felt proud of his young squad's effort. Bullets will face either Civo Service United or Silver Strikers in the final. That semi-final match takes place on Sunday at the same stadium.
Bullets started the match with energy and created several early scoring chances. Chikumbutso Salima scored the opening goal in the 26th minute with a header from Peter Banda's free kick. Karonga United fought back hard and had some good opportunities to score. Their goalkeeper Maclean Mwale made several important saves to keep his team in the game. The first half ended with Bullets leading 1-0.
The second half brought more excitement as both teams pushed for goals. Robert Luhanga scored for Karonga United in the 53rd minute to tie the game at 1-1. The crowd erupted as the underdogs found their equalizer from a well-placed free kick. Hassan Kajoke came through for Bullets just ten minutes later with the winning goal. Substitute Chawanangwa Gumbo set up the decisive strike with a perfect pass.
Both coaches praised their players after the final whistle. Peter Mponda said his team showed good fighting spirit despite some defensive problems. Oscar Kaunda congratulated Bullets and felt proud of his young squad's effort. Bullets will face either Civo Service United or Silver Strikers in the final. That semi-final match takes place on Sunday at the same stadium.
