The razzmatazz of the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinals continues as holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets host Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon.
There is no love lost between the two sides in recent times. Bullets and Civil are facing each other for the fourth time in cup matches since last year.
However, Bullets will be hoping that history repeats itself when the two sides clash this afternoon after the People’s Team has dominated recent meetings.
Bullets and Civil were paired in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Airtel Top 8 but the Red Side of Town advanced to the semifinals after 3-2 on aggregate in a two-legged affair.
The People’s Team claimed a 2-0 win over Civil in the first leg played at Civil Stadium but Civil won the reverse fixture by 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium as they became the first team last year to beat Bullets at home.
It was a bitter- sweet for Civil as they bowed out of the competition. The two teams also met in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Castel Challenge Cup in December but Bullets triumphed 3-0 at the same venue.
However, the last time Civil knocked Bullets out of the cup was in 2015 when they came from behind to beat the People’s Team 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium with a brace from Raphael Phiri ( now with Moyale Barracks).
Then, Civil went on to lift the trophy after beating Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 1-0 at Civo Stadium courtesy of Nelson Kangunje’s goal.
The two teams shared the spoils in the first round of the TNM Super League match after 1-1 draw last month.
Bullets are coming from 2-1 victory over rivals Wanderers in the Round of 16 of the FDH Bank Cup. They thrashed Bangwe All Stars 5-0 in the Round of 32. But in the
On the other hand, Civil knocked Mighty Tigers out of the competition after 5-4 win in the Round of 16. Civil thrashed Chihame All Stars from Nkhata Bay 5-1 in Round of 32.
Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa has told his boys not to underestimate Civil.
Pasuwa, who has won the FDH Bank Cup back-to-back in 2022 and 2023, said previous results were water under the bridge ahead of the tie.
“It is a new game and we need to be positive in our approach. If we want to win we need to go with a positive mind. I think, we have prepared well and the guys are eager to go and we hope for the best,” said Pasuwa.
Bullets have received a morale boost after vice-captain Clyde Senanji and Ronald Chitiyo returned to training ahead of the clash.
Civil coach Abasi Makawa said his charges have what it takes to upset the holders.
“It is a game that needs total concentration the entire 90 minutes. We know the kind of the opponents we are going to face but we are not intimidated,” said Makawa.
The winner between Bullets and Civil will face Moyale Barracks after the soldiers defeated Lube Masters 2-1 at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday.
In another match this afternoon, Baka City will face Blue Eagles at Karonga Ground.
Baka knocked Creck sporting Club after 1-0 victory in Round of 16 while Eagles beat Santhe Admarc 4-2 on post-match penalties after the match ended goal-less in regulation time.
Karonga United who defeated last year’s runners-up Mafco 2-1 at Chitowe Ground, await the winner between Baka and Eagles in the semifinals.
