The race for the 2026 Airtel Top 8 title intensifies on Saturday as four teams battle for places in the semi-finals in quarterfinal second-leg fixtures.
Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will be away to Ekhaya FC at Mpira Stadium, while Civil Service United will host Blue Eagles at CIVO Stadium in Lilongwe.
At Mpira Stadium, Ekhaya FC and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will meet again after playing out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Bingu National Stadium.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced, with Ekhaya needing a win or a goalless draw to progress to the next round. Bullets, on the other hand, need a win or a scoring draw to keep their title defence alive.
Bullets will go into the match as favourites, but they face an Ekhaya side eager to cause one of the biggest upsets of the competition.
Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda said his players understand the importance of the knockout competition.
“The Airtel Top 8 is a prestigious tournament and every match is like a final. We respect Ekhaya because they have earned their place here, but we are focused on producing a disciplined performance and progressing to the next round,” said Nyirenda.
Ekhaya coach Enos Chatama said his side has nothing to lose and will be ready to compete.
“We know many people expect Bullets to win, but football is played on the pitch. We have prepared well and we are ready to compete. We want to show that we belong among the country’s best teams,” said Chatama.
At CIVO Stadium, Civil Service United and Blue Eagles will renew their rivalry after the two Capital City sides settled for a goalless draw in the first leg at Bingu National Stadium.
The first-leg result leaves the tie wide open. Civil Service United need a win to advance, while Blue Eagles can progress with victory or a scoring draw.
Civil Service United coach Abbas Makawa said he expects a tactical battle.
“Cup football is different from league football. Small details make the difference. We have prepared our players mentally and physically, and we are aiming to reach the semi-finals,” said Makawa.
Blue Eagles coach DeKlerk Msakakuona is confident his side can get the result they need.
“Our objective is simple, to win. We respect Civil Service United, but we believe we have assembled a team capable of competing for the trophy,” he said.
With the first-leg results leaving both ties open, Saturday’s fixtures are expected to produce intense battles as teams fight for places in the last four.
