FCB Nyasa Big Bullets held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to defeat Silver Strikers 4–3 and retain the Airtel Top 8 crown at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.
After a 1–1 draw in regular time, it was a familiar script for the defending champions, who once again proved decisive under pressure to claim their third successive title and fourth in total—more than any other club in the tournament’s history.
The match started at a frantic pace with Silver Strikers on the front foot, forcing two early corners and unsettling the Bullets defence.
But the tide shifted in the 16th minute when Bullets were awarded a penalty following a clumsy foul on Chikumbutso Salima.
However, the chance went begging as Babatunde Adepoju’s effort was superbly stopped by George Chikooka, who went on to deliver a standout performance in goal for the Bankers.
Buoyed by Chikooka’s save, Silver maintained their energy, but Bullets began dominating the midfield and took control of possession.
Wongani Lungu’s curling free-kick just before halftime forced another brilliant save from Chikooka as the defending champions steadily built momentum heading into the break, despite the goalless scoreline.
The breakthrough arrived just four minutes into the second half.
Peter Banda’s well-delivered corner found Maxwell Gasten Phodo at the near post, and his clever flick bounced off the far post and into the net to give Bullets a deserved lead.
The goal injected new life into the game and forced Silver to chase the match.
Silver responded strongly and equalised in the 65th minute.
A pinpoint cross from Zebron Kalima met the rising head of Stain Davie ( check the scorer) who outjumped the Bullets defenders and beat Innocent Nyasulu to bring Silver level.
From then on, the game opened up, with both teams pushing for a winner in an end-to-end final half-hour.
Chances came at both ends, but neither side could find the decisive goal in regulation time.
That at set up a dramatic penalty shootout—mirroring their 2021 final meeting.
Silver blinked first as Chisomo Mpachika’s opening spot-kick was saved, and the pressure mounted when Levison Maganizo, who missed a crucial penalty in the 2021 final, sent his effort wide.
Ephraim Kondowe made no mistake with the final kick, slotting home to send Bullets into wild celebrations.
For Bullets head coach Peter Mponda, it was another statement of intent.
“We worked hard for this. Credit to the players for staying focused. Silver gave us a tough game, but our experience pulled us through,” he said.
While disappointed, Silver Strikers coach Peter Mgangira remained optimistic: “It’s painful, but we’ll regroup. I’m proud of the fight we showed.”
In a final that showcased both resilience and quality, it was Bullets’ poise under pressure that once again crowned them kings of the Airtel Top 8.
