Bullets, Dedza battle for FDH Cup final slot
The chase for FDH Bank Cup K30 million top prize continues this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre as defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets take on Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar FC in the semi-finals.
The winner between Bullets and Dedza will face Mafco FC who qualified for the final after defeating Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 0-1 at the same venue.
Bullets survived a resilient Extreme FC side 4-2 on post-match penalties following a one-all draw in the regulation time, to progress to the semi-finals for the third consecutive year while Dedza made it to this stage following 1-0 victory over Lilongwe football giants Silver Strikers.
It is the first time that Bullets and Dedza are meeting in the FDH Bank Cup since the tournament was introduced in 2021.
Bullets are superior going into this game over Dedza considering their performance status.
The People’s Team are seeking a fifth successive TNM Super League title and second FDH Bank Cup title.
However, Bullets failed to collect maximum points at home against Dedza in their recent meeting in the first round of ongoing 2023 TNM Super League which two-all.
The result speaks volume that anything can happen in this semi-final clash.
Despite the injury worry of some of his key players, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa said he still has quality in abundance compared to Dedza.
He said: “Our only worry is injuries in crucial positions. We have Precious Phiri, Precious Sambani and Eric Kaonga on the injury list.
“Dedza is not a small team; they gave us tough time last time we met them in the Super League. Although we are positive of better result, we need to do more to finish on a good note.” he said.
On the other hand, the visitors have great character as demonstrated in their quarter final game where they booted out Silver.
In a pre-match interview Dedza coach Gilbert Chirwa said he is aware that they are meeting a big team.
The former Flames and Bullets defender, however, said they have done everything possible to carry the day.
“We have prepared for them. We know we are meeting a big team. It will be a tough game and I have told my boys to be focused during the play. I am sure we will carry the day,” he said.
This year FDH Bank plc has increased the cup’s sponsorship to K120 million from K90 million, representing 33 percent hike.
The package increase has led to the winner’s prize being increased to K30 million from K25 million.
In 2021, the bank announced a historic K450 million five-year sponsorship, K90 million per year for a national league cup.
Silver won the inaugural FDH Bank Cup while Bullets last year.
