FCB Nyasa Big Bullets survived a continuous bombardment from Karonga United to win 2-1 and wing into the Airtel Top 8 final for the third successive year.
It was game worth a semi-final as the two teams attacked each other the entire game.
Bullets threatened just after five minutes, but goalkeeper Maclean Mwale read the situation well and rushed forward to steal the ball from an advancing Babatunde Adepoje.
A minute later, Salima was fouled just outside the box, Babatunde headed over from the resultant free-kick which was taken by Peter Banda.
Soon after, Karonga broke free and surged forward in numbers putting pressure on Bullets defence which conceded a free kick.
Karonga striker Allen Chihana messed up a golden opportunity to put his side in the lead in the 17th minute, failing to beat Richard Chimbamba in the box in one -on-one after being put through by Patrick Phiri.
In the first-half, Karonga were disciplined tactically compared to Bullets.
They played with precision passes that split Bullets defence several times.
Despite the dominance in possession and offensive, it was Bullets who took the lead.
Chikumbutso Salima put Bullets ahead in the 26th minute, heading past Mwale from a Banda free-kick.
Karonga countered soon after and could have levelled if it were not for the prowess of Chimbamba, who closed in on advancing Phiri.
After recess, Karonga continued to probe and knock at Bullets defence.
It took them seven minutes into the second-half to find a leveller through Alfred Chizinga, who capitalised on Phiri’s free kick.
Bullets regrouped and went ahead again in the 64th minute thorough Hassan Kajoke, who received a good pass from Chawanangwa Gumbo in the box and with great composure shot past Mwale.
The defending champions held for a hard-fought win.
Coach Peter Mponda though happy, conceded it was a tough outing.
“It was a good game in terms of results, but Karonga had more open chances. But credit to the boys for holding on and being resilient. We got the results and that is what matters,” he said.
His counterpart Oscar Kaunda conceded defeat graciously.
He said: “We have to congratulate our friends they have done well and we wish them the best. I have to thank my boys for a good performance. We had lots of chances, but we were poor at finishing.”
