FCB Nyasa Bullets are the inaugural Castel Challenge Cup champions after triumphing 4-2 over Silver Strikers on post-match penalties in a pulsating final at Bingu National Stadium.
The People’s Team had to come from behind to level one-all and claim their third silverware.
Silver took an early lead through Atusaye Nyondo in the seventh minute against the run of play after Bullets had dominated the Bankers for a good part of the opening minute.
Nyondo nodded in Duncan Nyoni’s corner kick, powering the ball past Bullets goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba.
Bullets then levelled in the 22nd minute through Lanjesi Nkhoma after he was played in by Precious Phiri.
A goalless second half meant the match had to be settled through post-match penalties.
Bullets had to pull out injured Chimbamba after he collided with Nyondo.
He was replaced by Clever Nkungula who went on to save two penalties to hand Bullets a precious victory.
Nkungula denied Chinsinsi Maonga and Nickson Mwase but could not keep out Chimwemwe Idana and Maxwell Paipi spot kicks.
Bullets on the other hand converted their four spot kicks through substitute Yamikani Fodya, man kf the match Clyde Senaj, and Phiri who just like in the semi-final against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers netted the decisive spot kick.
In post match interviews Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa was all smiles, praising his charges for nagging a third trophy.
Silver coach Pietre De Jongh said he was happy with the performance of his side saying penalties are unpredictable.
“We played well today. We showed good football and we scored first. After the goal we started losing it a bit and they equalised.
“At halftime we changed tactically and we had a good balance until the last whistle. Penalties are very tricky and are a lottery. Tough luck for us”, he said.
