FCB Nyasa Bullets have completed a historic quadruple after sweeping all silverware, the last one being the Airtel Top 8 following a 2-1 victory over Mafco at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The People’s Team went into the match to add on their shelf one more silverware after bagging the Super League, FDH Bank Cup and Castel Challenge Cup.
Man of the Match Lanjesi Nkhoma, who is also the cup’s Top Goalscorer, was the hero of the day after netting a brace while Mafco’s consolation was an own-goal from Nickson Nyasulu.
The first half was a balanced affair with both sides creating scoring opportunities.
In the seventh minute, Mafco’s Mphatso Phillimon had his first attempt at goal but his shot just outside the box went wide.
Bullets’ first shot on target was a set piece from Patrick Mwaungulu near the box, but impressive Mafco goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa made a brilliant save.
Mafco almost took the lead in the 10th minute but unmarked Phillimon in the six yard headed over the bar.
The Salima based Malawi Defence Force outfit wasted another golden opportunity when Prince Kachere failed to connect Peter Kasonga’s searching cross.
Bullets finally took the lead in the 22nd minute when Nkhoma tapped in a superb cross from Anthony Nfune following a teasing Mwaungulu set piece.
Bullets almost doubled the lead in the 25th minute but Mafco survived thanks to Mikuwa’s double save to deny Maxwell Gastin Phodo.
While searching for a second ball, but Bullets were demoralised by an own goal from defender Nickson Nyasulu in the 34th minute.
The own goal which was largely due to a communication breakdown between defender Clyde Senaji, Nyasulu and goalkeeper Clever Mkungula, put spanners in Bullets plans as the first half ended one-all.
After recess, Bullets put behind the unexpected equaliser and started afresh terrorising the soldiers at will.
Mafco had to thank Mikuwa who went on deny Mwaungulu in the 50th minute, saving the pint sized midfielder’s thunderous shot.
Then a moment of sadness and joy came when Bullets were awarded a penalty by referee Mayamiko Kanjere after tricky forward Phodo was fouled in the box in 70th minute.
Nyasulu’s day went from bad to worse when impressive Mikuwa saved his weak penalty much to the disbelief of Bullets supporters.
But Nkhoma with a thunderbolt pinced on the rebound which hit the roof of the net giving Mikuwa no chance.
Mafco fought on but it was too late to recover as Kasonga’ headed wide in added on time.
In post-match interview Mafco coach Prichard Mwansa said losing to Bullets twice in cup finals was a bitter pill to swallow.
He said: “We have lost. We are not happy. We have lost to them twice in cup finals. It’s painful. But it wasn’t a bad play.
“We managed to equalise then conceded a penalty. The goalkeeper managed to save the penalty but the defenders were slow to recover and we conceded that second goal.”
He however, applauded his charges for a battle well fought.
“But I am proud of my players. They played well. We have managed to reach two finals. It’s not a joke. We were just unfortunate not to win a cup,” he said.
Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa thanked Bullets family for their support in making history.
“It has been the togetherness in the team. We are talking of the supporters, the players, the technical panel and also the management and the secretariat,” he said.
