Bullets Edge Wanderers in Thriller, Reach Castel Cup Final
Bullets have already won the 2023 TNM Super League and FDH Bank Cup. They will also contest the Airtel Top 8 Cup final.
BLANTYRE, Malawi- FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defeated archrivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in an electric Blantyre derby semi-final of the 2023 Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup on Sunday, writes Happy Valirani.
A raucous crowd packed Kamuzu Stadium to witness the highly anticipated match.
Bullets struck first when Patrick Mwaungulu scored a stunning long-range shot in the 31st minute to give his side a slender 1-0 lead at halftime.
Wanderers equalized just after the break when substitute Christopher Kumwembe bicycle-kicked in a shot in the 46th minute to tie it at 1-1 and force penalty kicks.
Precious Phiri, Hassan Kajoke, Yamikani Fodya and Clyde Senaji converted their penalties for Bullets.
Wanderers managed just two converted penalties from Francis Mkonda and Peter Cholopi, while Stanley Sanudi and Vitumbiko Kumwenda missed their attempts.
Bullets will now face Silver Strikers in the Castel Cup final on Dec. 30 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
"These boys have really played good football. Reaching another final, that's a plus for us," said Bullets coach Calisto Pasuwa.
Wanderers coach Mark Harrison rued his team's missed chances.
"We had more chances in the second half but failed to convert them into goals. It's very painful that we have lost the game on penalties," he said.
Bullets have already won the 2023 TNM Super League and FDH Bank Cup. They will also contest the Airtel Top 8 Cup final.