Bullets become soldier’s final salute in FDH Bank Cup

Two bullets wrote the soldiers last chapter on Saturday afternoon as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets marched into the semi-finals of the 2025 FDH Bank Cup, edging Lilongwe based militants, Kamuzu Barracks 2–1 in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

The game, which started 30 minutes late due to a clash of uniform colours as both sides initially wore white socks, saw Bullets stamp their authority early.

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Once the whistle finally blew, it was Peter Banda who dictated the rhythm, weaving past defenders with flair before threading a sublime pass to Ephraim Kondowe, who calmly slotted home in the 33rd minute to ignite the red stands.

Barely two minutes later, the combination struck again.

Kondowe turned provider, setting up Hassan Kajoke to double the lead with a composed finish that left Kamuzu Barracks goalkeeper Hastings Katoma Banda stranded.

But the soldiers were far from surrendering. Three minutes later, Geoffrey Suman pulled one back for Kamuzu Barracks, finishing off a well-timed pass from Zeliat Nkhoma to restore hope for the visitors before halftime.

From there, it was a war of tactics and nerves. Bullets’ goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba was called into action several times, notably in the 15th and 69th minutes when Olson Kanjira unleashed long-range missiles that tested his reflexes.

After the break, Bullets’ assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa and head coach Peter Mponda adjusted their arsenal, introducing fresh legs, Wongani Lungu and Mike Mkwate to maintain intensity.

Kamuzu Barracks responded with equal aggression, bringing in John Mchema and later Samuel Gunda, as their coach Nicholas Mhango grew increasingly animated on the touchline, earning a yellow card for dissent.

Despite Kamuzu Barracks dominating possession in the second half, their finishing faltered. Nkhoma’s missed chances and a costly dive that earned him a booking in the 82nd minute summed up the soldiers’ frustration.

Bullets, on the other hand, displayed championship resilience. They closed ranks, defended as a unit, and saw out the match with tactical substitutions that included Maxwell Phodo and Yamikani Mologenio in the dying minutes.

When referee Godfrey Nkakananga blew the final whistle after five minutes of stoppage time, it was Bullets fans who erupted in celebration — their team’s disciplined display securing a hard-fought 2–1 victory and a ticket to the semi-finals.

Chawanangwa Gumbo, whose midfield mastery and composure were pivotal, was deservedly named Man of the Match.

Reacting to the result, Kamuzu Barracks coach Mhango admitted his side’s failure to convert chances cost them dearly.

“We played better in the second half, but luck was not on our side. We created enough opportunities, but Bullets were more clinical,” he said.

On the other hand, Bullets assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa, praised his charges for their determination.

“It was a good game. We dominated the first half, and even when Kamuzu Barracks came strong after the break, the boys defended well and got the result we wanted,” Chirwa said.

The People’s Team had booked their quarter-final slot after a commanding 3–0 win over The Boyz, while Kamuzu Barracks reached the stage by edging Bangwe All Stars on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

With the victory, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets join the last four of the FDH Bank Cup.

This afternoon Creck Sporting Club will face Mighty Wanderers at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji.