As the countdown continues ahead of the 2024 Pachema FDH Bank Cup final between Blue Eagles and FCB Nyasa Big at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday, we take a look at how the two teams have fared in the competition this far.
Bullets have won the competition twice, in 2022 and 2023 and this is their third consecutive final.
On the other hand, Eagles are appearing in the FDH Bank Cup final for the first time since its inception in 2021. They are the second non-Super League side to reach the final after Bullets Reserve in 2022 but lost 3-1 to their senior team.
Silver Strikers won the inaugural edition after beating Ekwendeni Hammers (now Mzuzu City Hammers) 2-0 at BNS in 2021.
The Road to the final
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
The holders started their 2024 FDH Bank Cup journey against Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium, in Blantyre.
It was an easy ride for Bullets as they thrashed Bangwe 5-0 to set up a Blantyre derby against rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the Round of 16.
Bullets showed their class when they overcame Wanderers 2-1 with a brace from Nigerian striker Babatunde Adepoju while Cameroonian striker Sama Tanjong scored the consolation for the Lali Lubani outfit.
In the quarterfinals, Bullets needed a Precious Phiri’s last gasp winner as they beat resilient Civil Service United 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium as they booked a semi-final spot against Moyale Barracks.
Bullets reached their third consecutive FDH Bank Cup final after beating Moyale 3-1 at BNS. The match was played under flood lights.
Blue Eagles:
The Area 30 based side qualified for the national phase of the competition after beating Ekas Freight 2-1 at Civo Stadium.
They were drawn against TNM Super League leaders Silver Strikers in the Round of 32.
Against all odds, Eagles progressed to the Round of 16 after a 5-3 victory over Silver on post-match penalties after a goalless draw at Nankhaka Stadium.
Eagles faced fellow Central Regional Football League side Santhe Admarc whom they beat 4-2 to advance to the last eight.
In the quarterfinals, they thrashed Super League rookies Baka City 3-0 at Karonga Stadium to set up a semi-final tie against another Super League side Karonga United.
Eagles continued their fairy tale when they beat Karonga 2-0 at Civo Stadium. They were the first team to reach the final of the 2024 FDH Bank Cup.
HEAD TO HEAD
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Blue Eagles are meeting for the second time in the final in the last 10 years. They met in the Airtel Top 8 final at Bingu National Stadium in 2018 but Eagles triumphed 1-0 courtesy of Stuart Mbunge’s penalty.
However, before the 2018 final, they also met in the defunct Chibuku Cup final but Eagles also won 2-0. Last year, they met in the Airtel Top 8 semi-final but Bullets beat Eagles 3-2 at BNS.
