Blue Eagles and FCB Nyasa Bullets will this afternoon re-experience the 2018 Airtel Top 8 final as the two sides clash in the semi-finals of the competition at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Malawi Police Service side won the 2018 edition after stunning Bullets 1-0 at the same venue courtesy of a 90th minute Stuart Mbunge goal from the spot.
The two sides now clash at the same venue but in the semi-finals which promises some fireworks.
Eagles assistant coach Christopher Sibale in pre-match interviews said he anticipates a tough encounter.
He said: “Definitely it is going to be a grudge match. You know when we meet Bullets it’s always total war. That much we know and the boys also geared for the match.”
The two sides clash just two weeks after they also met in the Super League in a match at Nankhaka Stadium which ended goalless.
Sibale said being a cup game, they need to be cautious since it will be a whole different situation.
“Cup games you can’t predict, but you have to take risks. Looking at this game it’s tough as well as tricky. It’s a cup game whereby you lose you are booted out.
“I think we need to be conscious, knowing that it’s a good side and the approach should also be different.
“The preparations are just so good. The boys are very positive knowing that this is a cup game. They are ready.”
On his part, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa said they need to be at their best if they are to make it to the final.
“Another tough game whereby we need to be at our best if we are to be successful,” said the Zimbabwean tactician.
Coming from a 1-0 loss to Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar, Pasuwa needs to psych up his charges to forget about the loss and come to the party.
Bullets won the Airtel Top 8 in 2021 and last year they missed the jackpot after losing rivals Mighty Mukuru wanderers in the final.
To make it to the semis, Bullets knocked out Civil Service United while Blue Eagles booted out Moyale Barracks.
