FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Retain Airtel Top 8 Crown in Tense Penalty Shootout
Bullets Overcome Silver Strikers in Dramatic Final
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets secured their fourth Airtel Top 8 title in a thrilling penalty shootout against Silver Strikers on Sunday. In a match dominated by Bullets in the first half, a missed penalty and a quick equalizer from Silver Strikers forced the final into a tense decision-making contest.
The People's Team started the game with confidence, controlling possession and creating several chances in the opening minutes. The best opportunity came in the 15th minute when Babatunde Adepoju was brought down inside the box, but he failed to convert from the spot, denying Bullets an early lead.
Maxwell Phodo eventually broke the deadlock in the second half with a clinical finish in the 49th minute. However, Silver Strikers responded quickly, equalizing through Stain Davie in the 65th minute. The final went into extra time, and both teams failed to find the winning goal.
"We made it tough for ourselves because we had a penalty, and if we had scored it, we could have won the game convincingly. But we missed it, and after taking the lead, we failed to defend and allowed them back in the game," admitted Bullets head coach Peter Mponda in his post-match reaction.
Despite the setback, Bullets kept their composure and emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, winning 4-3. Goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu's save from Silver Strikers' third penalty was a crucial moment in the contest.
"Right now, he is doing very well. He has confidence, and I trust him to deliver for the team. He stepped up and delivered — that's why we kept him in goal," said Mponda, praising the performance of his goalkeeper.
The coach hailed the atmosphere and quality of the final, which saw a full capacity turnout. "You saw it yourself — the stadium was full to capacity. I don't remember the last time a final had such a turnout. This shows these two teams are the giants of Malawian football," he added.
Despite the historic win, Mponda emphasized the need to focus on upcoming challenges. "Bullets is a demanding club. We shouldn't over-celebrate or get carried away because winning is part of the club's culture. It has been winning before I arrived, and I am just continuing where my predecessor left off," he concluded.
With this victory, Peter Mponda secured his first trophy as Bullets head coach and joined Kalisto Pasuwa as the second coach to win the Airtel Top 8 Cup for the team. The victory also highlights the importance of domestic football in Malawi and the excitement it generates among fans.
Bullets now turn their attention to the TNM Super League, where they will look to improve on their recent loss to Civil Service United.
Bullets fans, are you proud of your team's performance and resilience in the final? Share your thoughts below!
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Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda reflected on the team's victory in the Airtel Top 8 Final against Silver Strikers, despite missing first-half chances and relying on penalties to secure the win. Mponda praised goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu for his crucial penalty save in the shootout and acknowledged that the team should have sealed the victory earlier in normal time. The coach hailed the atmosphere and quality of the final, which attracted a full stadium, and emphasized the need to focus on upcoming challenges in the league. This victory marks Mponda's first trophy as Bullets head coach and makes him the second coach to win the Airtel Top 8 Cup after Kalisto Pasuwa.
