Airtel Money chase starts

The fifth edition of the Airtel Top 8 rolls into life this afternoon and holders Nyasa Big Bullets set the tone in their title defence campaign when they host Karonga United in a quarter-final first leg at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

It’s a contest so unique that the winner carts home a cool K17 million in just four matches or 360 minutes to be precise.

Fresh from their first loss in 25 TNM Super League matches and 30 in all competitions, the People’s Team will be out to put that aside and shift their attention to the task at hand.

Bullets’ honeymoon came to an end when they lost 1-0 to Mafco FC on Sunday at Dedza Stadium.

In an interview yesterday, Bullets assistant coach Peter Mponda said they have recovered from last weekend’s disappointment.

“We knew that we would lose at some point, it was just a matter of time and we already prepared our players psychologically.

“So, that is all water under the bridge and we have switched our focus to the upcoming game.”

The former Bullets captain was, however, wary of Ingwina ya Karonga, saying they expect a tough match.

“We know the threat they pose. They are a very good side and unpredictable, but we are ready for them,” said Mponda.

On his part, Karonga coach Christopher Nyambose said they are not under any pressure going into this match.

Sounding ice-cool, he said: “On paper, we are the underdogs because we’ll be up against the defending champions at their own backyard.

“We are not being given any chance and the odds are stacked against us, but we are okay with that.

“We anticipate a tough match and in the end it will be down to who wants it more depending on the approach, but we are ready.”

The Karonga gaffer said all his players except Gift Kasambara, who is attending to his ill father, are available for selection.

The two teams played out a goalless draw when they met in the first round of the league.

Babatunde Adepoju, who won the tournament’s Best Player and Golden Boot awards last year, is expected to oil the wheels of industry for Bullets aided by the likes of wonderkid Patrick Mwaungulu and revitalised Anthony Mfune.

The other potential match winners for Bullets are midfield workhorse Chimwemwe Idana, Ernest Petro and Lanjesi Nkhoma.

On the other hand, Karonga, who were the losing finalists in 2019, will look up to their leading scorer Clement Nyondo, Josaya Duwa and Sheriff Shamama.

Tomorrow, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers host Mafco FC in another quarter-final first leg at the same venue.

Bullets beat Silver Strikers 5-3 on post-match penalties in the final to win last year’s edition after playing out a one-all draw in regulation time.

The Central Bankers were the first winners of the tournament in 2017 when they pipped Wanderers 10-9 on post-match penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Blue Eagles won it in 2018 after beating Bullets 1-0 in the final.

Silver won it for the second time in 2019 after edging Karonga 1-0.

The tournament was not held in 2020 due to Covid-19.