Bullets reach FDH Bank Cup semis on penalties
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets secure a spot in the semifinals after defeating Extreme FC in a penalty shootout in Lilongwe.
LILONGWE, MALAWI — FCB Nyasa Big Bullets secured their place in the semifinals of the 2023 FDH Bank Cup "Pachema" after a thrilling match against Extreme FC on Saturday, August 5, writes Happy Valirani.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time, but FCB Nyasa Big Bullets emerged victorious with a 4-2 penalty shootout win at Civo Stadium.
Gregory Mwase of Extreme FC opened the scoring in the 20th minute, giving his team a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Despite Extreme FC's efforts to maintain their narrow advantage, Ephraim Kondowe, who came on as a substitute, levelled the scoreline to 1-1 in the 89th minute, breathing new life into the match and forcing it into penalties.
During the penalty shootout, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets' Clyde Senaji, Precious Sambani, Precious Phiri, and Nickson Nyasulu all converted their penalties. However, Extreme FC's Frank Willard had his penalty saved by FCB Nyasa Big Bullets' goalkeeper, Blessings Juma.
On the other side, Extreme FC managed to convert two penalties through Frank Sanudi and Babangida Ishaya, but Richard Chimbamba, the goalkeeper for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, made crucial saves against Chikondi Chasowa and Thokozani Mwangata.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets' coach, Calisto Pasuwa, expressed his delight with the hard-fought victory and acknowledged the challenging nature of cup games.
"It was a very difficult game indeed. We knew it was going to be tough; that's how cup games are. The opposition displayed good football, and I commend them," Pasuwa said.
He also mentioned the challenges his team is facing, including a congested schedule and injuries to several players.
Elvis Kafoteka, the coach of Extreme FC, described the game as tough and attributed his team's failure to finish off FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to a lack of concentration in the second half.
"Some players were tired and couldn't fight until the end. We left many spaces that our opponents capitalised on to equalise. Although we lost in the penalty shootout, I'm satisfied with my boys' performance. Our focus now shifts to the TNM Super League, and we will work on correcting these mistakes," Kafoteka said.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will now turn their attention to the semifinals of the FDH Bank Cup, while Extreme FC will focus on their upcoming matches in the second round of the TNM Super League.