All set for Airtel Top 8 semis

Battle lines have been drawn for the Airtel Top 8 semi-final combat at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Setting the pace this afternoon will be holders Nyasa Big Bullets who date Silver Strikers while Blue Eagles and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers face off tomorrow as the hunt for the K17.5 million Airtel Money gathers momentum.

Today’s contest, is a significant for both sides.

The Central Bankers stand proudly as the only team to have won the tournament twice.

That is not all. They will also be vying for a record fourth final appearance in five editions.

But they have a score to settle with Bullets who wrestled the trophy from them last year with a 5-4 post-match penalty shootout victory after playing out a one-all draw in regulation and extra time.

On the other hand, a win for Bullets will ensure a third final appearance and keep their juicy treble dreams nicely on the boil, having won the TNM Super League title and the FDH Bank Cup.

In a pre-match interview yesterday, Bullets assistant coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said they are anticipating a tough match.

He said: “They [Silver] have not won any silverware this season and the Airtel Top 8 is their only hope. So, yes we expect them to come full throttle, but we are prepared for them.”

Asked on their planned approach, the Bullets legend, sounding ice-cool, said: “We’ll go the same way we approach our games. We are playing at Kamuzu Stadium, we can’t sit back. We will attack.”

The former Bullets captain said apart from striker Anthony Mfune, who is nursing an injury, they have all their artillery ready for the battle.

On his part, Silver coach Leo Mpulula said they are geared for the match.

He said: “We have not had a good season and we’ll go flat out knowing that this is the only chance we have to finish the season with a silverware.

“Our preparations have been fantastic and we are ready.

“We promise fans good football, the umodzi, umodzi [pass-and-move] style that we are known for will be on show.”

Asked if they are under any pressure, the outspoken coach said: “We have had peaceful sleep. We are giants in our own right and, therefore, no reason to feel intimidated.”

When the two teams met in the league this season, Bullets won the first round 3-1 at home before sharing the spoils in the second round following a two-all draw.

Midfield workhorse Chimwemwe Idana has been Bullets’ orchestra conductor with his telling passes and unique vision and he should lead the team’s attack today aided by wonderkid Patrick Mwaungulu to keep the supply lines open for Babatunde Adepoju and Lanjesi Nkhoma.

Wing backs Precious Sambani and Gomezgani Chirwa’s blinding pace down the flanks has also been vital for Bullets this seaon.

On the other hand, the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit will bank their hopes on twin strikers Chawanangwa Kaonga and Stain Dave  while Zebron Kalima, Levison Maganizo and Chinsisi Maonga will orchestrate play from midfield.

To qualify for the semis, Bullets ousted Karonga United 8-1 on aggregate while Silver booted out Kamuzu Barracks 3-1.

In tomorrow’s encounter, the Nomads will be out to preserve their 100 percent record, having won both their quarter-final legs  against Mafco FC with 2-0 margins.

They are also the only side among the semi-finalists yet to win the competition while Eagles are chasing their second triumph.

Wanderers coach Mark Harrison said he expects a tough match against the cops.

He said: “Winning both quarter-final legs means absolutely nothing. This will be a totally different game.

“I have watched them [Eagles] play and they are a good side. We have to exploit their weaknesses and play to our strengths, but it’s going to be difficult as no one will want to give it away.”

His Eagles counterpart Elia Kananji also said they expect Wanderers to come hard on them.

“In the end it will boil down to who wants it more, but we expect a very tough match. Nevertheless, we have done our homework and if we play according to game plan, I am optimistic we will sail through,” he said.

Red-hot winger Gaddie Chirwa, experienced midfielder Micium Mhone and on song striker Richard Rapson carry the expectations for the Malawi Police Service side while the Nomads will look up to Yamikani Chester, Francis Mkonda, Chiukepo Msowoya and Vincent Nyangulu.