Eagles, Bullets set for FDH Cup final

Battle lines have been drawn as Blue Eagles and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets face-off in the 2024 FDH Bank Cup final at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.

This is the two teams’ first final clash in six years after the 2018 Airtel Top 8 final which Eagles won 1-0 at the same venue.

Eagles will be looking to continue their fairly tale in the competition having eliminated three Super League teams on their way to the final.

The Malawi Police sponsored outfit beat Silver Strikers 5-3 on post-match penalties after goal-less in regulation time in the Round of 32 before 4-2 victory over Santhe Admarc in the Round of 16.

They defeated Super League rookies Baka City 3-0 in the quarterfinals before beating Karonga United 2-0 in the semifinals at Civo Stadium.

So far, Eagles have not conceded a goal in open play and  have scored five goals.

On the other hand, Bullets defeated Bangwe All Stars 5-0 in the Round of 32 at Mpira Stadium before eliminating archi-rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers following a 2-1 victory at Kamuzu Stadium.

In the quarterfinals, The People’s Team overcame Civil Service United 1-0 at the same venue before beating Moyale Barracks 3-1 in the semifinals played under flood lights at BNS.

So far, Bullets have scored 11 goals and only conceded two goals in four matches of the competition.

Speaking during a pre-match conference on Saturday, Eagles coach Elia Kananji said they are geared to cause another upset.

“We have an upper hand as history favours us against Bullets in cup final. But we will not focus on the past and we need to work hard to win the cup.

“There is alot at stake. We know Bullets might come hard on us after their exit in the CAF Champions League but we will also make life difficult for them as we want to grab the cup,” said Kananji, who is looking for his first Silverware as Eagles coach.

Eagles will miss the services of striker Tonic Viyuyi due to suspension.

But they have several options upfront with experienced strikers Schumacher Kuwali and Lankeni Mwale available for selection.

Goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, Gilbert Chirwa, Micium Mhone and Paul Master are also available for the final.

Kuwali said they are ready to make history.

“We might be underdogs going into the final but morale is very high in camp and everyone wants to make history,” said Kuwali.

On the other hand, Bullets are a chasing for a third consecutive  FDH Bank Cup title.

They won the trophy for the first time after beating their Reserve Side 3-1 in 2022 before beating Mafco 3-0  last year.

Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa urged his players to exercise caution against Eagles.

“We are in the final of the FDH Bank Cup.It has not been an easy road for us to be in the final. I hope the boys will not take this final lightly.The boys have come from far and they know where they are coming from. For Eagles to be in the final,it means they have done alot and they are playing good football, so we need to be in the right sense of mood for us to be on the positive note,” said Pasuwa, who won his first quadruple with Bullets last season.

Bullets will be without midfielder Frank Willard due to suspension while Enerst Petro and Chrispin Mapemba have also been ruled out due to injuries.

Gomezgani Chirwa, Clyde Senanji, Babatunde Adepoju and Maxwell Gasten Phodo are all fit for the match.

Chirwa said morale is high in camp ahead of the final.

“We are coming from the loss in Caf Champions League but our focus is on the final,” said Chirwa said.

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