The 2026/27 Airtel Top 8 kicks off on Saturday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe with two quarterfinal first-leg matches.
Blue Eagles will face Civil Service United in the opening match before defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets take on Ekhaya FC under floodlights.
The competition features the top eight teams from last season’s elite league, with the champions set to walk away with K40 million.
The opening match brings together two sides with strong cup pedigree. Blue Eagles, who won the competition in 2018, have built a reputation as a disciplined and well-organised side capable of frustrating opponents in knockout football.
Civil Service United, on the other hand, have continued to establish themselves among the country’s consistent sides and will be eager to make a strong statement in the competition.
Blue Eagles coach DeKlerk Msakakuona said his team is ready for the challenge.
“The Airtel Top 8 is a special competition and we want to start strongly. Civil are a good team, but we believe in our quality and our ability to get a positive result,” said Msakakuona.
Civil Service United coach Abbas Makawa said he expects a tight contest.
“Blue Eagles are always difficult opponents. We have prepared well and the players understand the importance of this match. We are going to compete and get a result,” said Makawa.
The second match will see defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets begin their title defence against Ekhaya FC.
Bullets won last year’s final against Silver Strikers and remain the most successful club in the competition’s history with four titles.
All eyes will be on new Bullets coach Wedson Nyirenda, who begins his first Airtel Top 8 campaign with the People’s Team.
“Bullets have a winning tradition and our objective is clear, to defend the trophy. We respect Ekhaya, but we are preparing to play our game and give supporters something to celebrate,” said Nyirenda.
Ekhaya FC coach Enos Chatama said his side will not embrace the underdog tag.
“Many people will make Bullets favourites, but knockout football can produce surprises. We have earned our place here and we want to show that Ekhaya can compete with the best,” said Chatama.
