Bullets Soar Past Eagles to Claim Airtel Top 8 Finals Berth
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) will announce the date for the Airtel Top 8 Cup finals.
Lilongwe, Malawi - FCB Nyasa Big Bullets edged out Blue Eagles 3-2 in a nail-biting encounter at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday, securing their place in the finals of the 2023 Airtel Top 8 Cup, writes Happy Valirani.
Lanjesi Nkhoma, Hassan Kajoke, and Ephraim Kondowe scored a goal each for Bullets in the 6th, 8th, and 80th minutes, respectively.
Blue Eagles mounted a comeback in the second half with goals from Christopher Gototo in the 55th minute and Richard Rapson in the 81st minute.
"This is one of the toughest assignments we have played this season," remarked Bullets coach Calisto Pasuwa.
"We started with a high tempo and scored two quick goals, but our pace dropped in the second half, allowing our opponents to capitalise and score two goals. We managed to regain control in the last twenty minutes and score the winning goal."
However, Pasuwa expressed concern about the team's mounting injuries, stating, "The injuries we are incurring are affecting our game plan. We are playing games too close together, which is not ideal."
Despite the challenges, Pasuwa believes today's victory will boost the team's morale as they prepare for their upcoming TNM Super League fixture against Karonga United on Wednesday.
"The win will motivate the players as we head to the north for our TNM Super League game," he added.
Blue Eagles assistant coach Christopher Sibale acknowledged his team's shortcomings, stating, "We played well, but I have to admit that it wasn't our day. We conceded two quick, silly goals in the first ten minutes, and that cost us the game. We have learned from our mistakes today and will work to rectify them in our upcoming matches."
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) will announce the date for the Airtel Top 8 Cup finals.