FCB Nyasa Big Bullets continued to rewrite Malawi football history by securing their third straight Airtel Top 8 championship and cementing their dominance in the competition.
The Reds triumphed 4-3 on penalties over Silver Strikers following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Bullets have set remarkable records in the Airtel Top 8 as they are the only team to reach five consecutive finals, from 2021 to 2025, and have appeared in six finals overall (2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025).
Moreover, they are the sole club to have lifted the prestigious trophy four times, showcasing consistent excellence in Malawi’s top knockout competition.
Despite their dominance, Bullets did not participate in the 2019 Airtel Top 8 after being banned due to violent conduct in the 2018 final against Blue Eagles, which they lost 1-0 via a Stuart Mbunge penalty.
The match itself was a tense affair, Maxwell Gasten Phodo gave Bullets an early second-half lead in the 50th minute by heading in a corner from substitute Peter Banda.
Silver Strikers responded through Stein Devie’s powerful header in the 65th minute off an assist from Zebron Kalima, leveling the score and forcing the match into penalties.
The penalty shootout was marked by high drama, Silver Strikers had Zebron Kalima, Maxwell Paipi, and Chinsinsi Maonga successfully convert their spot-kicks, but missed chances from Chisomo Mpachika and Levison Maganizo, the latter having his effort saved by Bullets’ goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu.
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For Bullets, Hassan Kajoke missed his penalty by sending it off target, but Blessings Mpokera, Andrew Jovinala, Dominic Musonda and Ephraim Kondowe scored with composure to seal a 4-3 shootout victory, handing Bullets the 2025 Airtel Top 8 crown.
After the match, Silver Strikers’ coach Peter Mgangira praised Bullets as a strong and well-managed team.
“I am happy with the play, but disappointed with the results. Bullets is a good side managed by a good coach, congratulations to Bullets,” he said.
His counterpart, Bullets coach Peter Mponda expressed immense pride in his team’s effort and resilience.
“Our boys gave their best. We relaxed a little, which allowed Silver to come back strong, but I am impressed—we won,” said Mponda.
This final echoed memories of their 2021 meeting when Silver Strikers’ Stain Davie also scored but Maganizo missed his penalty, allowing Bullets to claim the title.
Last year’s final at the same venue also saw Bullets beat Silver Strikers 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ernest Petro.
