Historic floodlight semi-final match sets FDH Cup stage

Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are gearing up to lock horns with northern region based soldiers, Moyale Barracks, in a highly anticipated Pachema FDH Bank Cup semi-final match in Lilongwe today.

This encounter is a replica of their 2022 match in the Round of 16 where Bullets won 4-2 on post-match penalties after a 4-4 draw during regulation time.

The match at a CAF certified Bingu National Stadium from 17:00 hours, is set to make history as the first ever local competition to be played under floodlights in the country.

Bullets, fresh from their CAF Champions League win against Zambia’s Red Arrows at the same venue on Sunday, are aware of the danger posed by the MDF side, having played them to a 1-1 draw at Kamuzu Stadium just a week ago.

“It is going to be a very interesting match because Moyale are also a better side. I told everyone that this is a cup match and that they need to put everything into it because once we lose then it is finished,” said the 2023 quadruple winning coach Kalisto Pasuwa.

Kalisto’s counterpart from the army camp Prichard Mwansa is hoping to secure a place in the final although he is aware how uneasy the match will be.

“We are ready and I sure it will be a tough match. We will fight until the final whistle to reach the final,” said Mwansa.

The winner of this thrilling clash will earn a spot in the final against a formidable police team, Blue Eagles, which has been making waves despite playing in a lower league.

The police team, who will face the winner of this semi-final match, has already proven their mettle by beating top-flight league teams despite like Silver Strikers and Karonga United.

Meanwhile, marketing and broadcasting manager for the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Tulipo Mwenelupembe, says: “We have finalised all the preparations and we believe that we will organise a great match for the teams, fans and the sponsor.”

Mwenelupembe says there will also be tickets available to be sold at the match venue.