Holders FCB Nyasa Bullets get a stern test in their Castel Challenge Cup defence bid when they host unpredictable Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this afternoon.
The winner will face Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the final at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.
The Nomads qualified for the final after beating Lilongwe-based second-tier league side Panthers FC 3-0 at the same venue on Sunday.
In their past eight league meetings, Bullets have won six while the other two ended in draws.
In the league this season, Bullets won the first round match 2-0 at home while the second round fixture in Mzuzu ended goalless.
A win for the People’s Team, who are unbeaten in 16 games across all competitions, will see them lining up against their age-old rivals in the final.
But their coach Kallisto Pasuwa played down the prospects of a Blantyre derby, insisting that they are taking a game at a time.
He also bemoaned injuries due to a crammed fixture, citing Chrispin Mapemba and Alick Lungu, who are ruled out of today’s match.
“But we still need to come up with a team that will give us a positive result,” he said.
“We are meeting Mzuzu, a team that has been playing very well, a side that we cannot underrate. We respect them and we need to be positive.”
On the other hand, Hammers coach Kondwani Ikwanga said they are ready for the showdown.
“We know what is at stake. It is a difficult match for us because we will be playing at their [Bullets] home ground,” he said.
“But they [Bullets] should not take us for granted, we will also put up a grand fight. We are ready and all the players are looking forward to the match.”
Ikwanga also said they are not under pressure.
“If anything, it should be them [Bullets] having pressure because they have to please their fans,” said the coach.
To qualify for the semis, Bullets beat Mangochi-based second-tier league side MMF Marine 3-1 while Hammers booted out Karonga United by the same margin.
Bullets finished third in the league with 55 points while Hammers were fourth with 48 points
