Karonga United say they are determined to add holders FCB Nyasa Bullets to their list of casualties when they meet in the Airtel Top 8 semi-finals this evening at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Ingwina ya Karonga (the Crocodiles of Karonga) booted out Bullets’ rivals Mighty Wanderers in the quarter-finals 2-1 on aggregate and are itching to stop the People’s Team’s dominance.
Karonga coach Oscar Kaunda said in a pre-match interview yesterday: “We are through with our preparations for the match. We know we are up against a good team, who are the holders, but that doesn’t bother us at all.
“Facing the holders is, in itself, a big motivation. Nothing feels sweeter than booting out the holders, and that is what we are up to though we know achieving that feat will require something special.
“I believe we have done enough homework on them.”
On whether his troops have adapted to play under floodlights after two evening training sessions, Kaunda chuckled and said: “Look, to us and the players, it is not an issue at all. If anything, it came from our administration department.
“We are not losing sleep over playing under floodlights and if we lose, it will not be because of floodlights. Similarly, if we win, it won’t be because of flood lights, no fuss.”
Karonga are hoping for their second final qualification, having lost to Silver Strikers 1-0 during the 2019 edition.
a previous league match | Nation
On the other hand, Bullets gaffer Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda, whose side ousted Creck Sporting Club 1-0 on aggregate, said they are expecting a tough match.
Said the former Bullets skipper: “We are up against a side that plays organised football, very compact and they have pacy forwards.
“We cannot afford to underrate such a team. Otherwise, our preparations have gone on well so far.”
Mponda also hinted at giving winger Peter Banda, who has recovered from a lengthy shoulder injury, a run.
“It’s 50-50, but not guaranteed, it will depend on the advice I get from the team doctor. Otherwise, apart from Chrispin Mapemba, who is nursing a long-term injury, all the others are available for selection,” he said.
Bullets, who have won the tournament a record three times, are eyeing a fifth final qualification.
The two teams last met in the tournament in the quarter-finals of the 2022 edition in which Bullets triumphed 8-1 on aggregate following a 7-0 win at home and a one-all draw away.
When they met in the TNM Super League last season, Karonga won the first round encounter 2-1 while Bullets won the second reverse fixture 3-1.
The winner this afternoon will face either Silver Strikers or Civil Service United, who meet in the other semi-final tomorrow.
