Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets wrote their very own piece of historical past after they reached their fourth consecutive Airtel Top 8 last after beating Kamuzu Barracks 2-0 at Bingu National Stadium Sunday.
That units up a repeat of the 2021 Airtel Top 8 last with Silver Strikers subsequent Saturday on the identical venue after the latter defeated Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 1-0 on Saturday.
In 2021, Bullets triumphed 5-3 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time at Kamuzu Stadium.
This is an opportunity for Silver to actual revenge for his or her loss within the 2021 decider.
This would be the first time for Kalisto Pasuwa to be up towards his former pupil Peter Mponda within the competitors.
The 2024 Airtel Top 8 last additionally gives the 2 sides an ideal alternative to make one other piece of historical past.
They are the one groups to have received the competitors twice every since its inception in 2017.
Silver have been the inaugural winners in 2017 earlier than including their second Airtel Top 8 trophy in 2019 whereas Bullets received it in 2021 and 2023.
In addition, Bullets have one other alternative to put in writing one other piece of historical past in the event that they defend the Airtel Top 8.
Since 2017, no staff has defended the trophy.
Striker Ephraim Kondowe and defender Blessings Mpokera scored a objective every to propel Bullets to their fifth Airtel Top 8 last in seven years.
However, the People’s Team misplaced two earlier finals to Blue Eagles 1-0 in 2018 and 2022 to Wanderers 5-3 on post-match penalties after goal-less stints in regulation time.
Man-of-the-match Kondowe bundled the ball into the web with an in depth vary end after a cross from Babatunde Adepoju within the second minute of the match.
After the objective, KB troopers reorganised themselves and exchanged some good passes in the midst of the pack, however failed to interrupt Bullets’ defence comprising Nickson Nyasulu, Gomezgani Chirwa, Alick Lungu and Yamikani Mologeni.
Kondowe’s objective separated the 2 groups on the break.
After recess, KB made a double change as they launched Christopher Ntambo and Sheriff Maulana for Mathias Nyirenda and Chifundo Makawa.
On the opposite hand, Bullets introduced in Mpokera for Mologeni.
However, Olson Kanjira had a ball into the web however was dominated out for offside.
The troopers have been compelled to substitute defence Pillar Herbert Wayekha for Sam Chibvunde because of damage.
Kanjira was additionally withdrawn for Humphreys Minandi as they have been on the lookout for a objective.
However, Mpokera doubled Bullets’ lead from a free kick that eluded everybody together with goalkeeper Hastings Banda within the 73rd minute.
Both groups tried to create some probabilities however Bullets got here out victors.
In a post-match interview, Pasuwa stated the early objective unsettled their opponents.
“Definitely after the first goal, KB looked down. They started the match very well. Had it been we did not score in the early minutes, it could have been a tough match,” Pasuwa stated.
Taking his flip, KB coach Charles Kamanga stated the gamers didn’t execute recreation plan.
“I told the boys to hold Bullets in the first 10 minutes but unfortunately, we conceded a goal,” Kamanga stated.
Sponsored to the tune of K180 million, the champions of the Airtel Top 8 will pocket K30 million up from K17.5 million whereas the runners-up will get K10 million up from K7.5 million.
Bullets clinched the 2023 Airtel Top 8 after beating Mafco 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium.
