Eagles stun Bullets
Central Region Football League outfit Blue Eagles have won the 2024 FDH Bank Cup after beating top-flight league defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 3-2 in post-match penalties.
The regulation time ended goalless.
Bullets dominated the match, but failed to take their chances.
Eagles players, officials and supporters celebrated the win with police parades on the pitch.
Inspector General of police Merlyne Yolamu and her deputy Happy Mkandawire cheered the team.
Bullets scored through Gomezgani Chirwa and Nickson Nyasulu. But Eagles goalkeeper Joshua Wake, who replaced Brighton Munthali, saved Precious Phiri and Babatunde Adepoju penalty kicks while Clyde Senaje’s spot kick hit the post
Andrew Jovinala, Ganizani James and Ranken Mwale scored for Blue Eagles while Mecium Mhone and Jacob Roberts had their penalties saved by Richard Chimbamba.
Despite a goalless draw in regulation time, it was an explosive match with thrilling football moves.
Just after nine minutes, Babatunde made a clever run on the left, outpacing Eagles defenders to lay a good cross for an advancing Ephraim Kondowe but Munthal saved.
In the 30th minute, the Nigerian striker Babatunde was denied from close range.
Eagles had opportunities too created from counter attacks. Schumacher Kuwali blasted over from close range in the 19th minute.
With four minutes before recess, Bullets were denied a goal for offside.
In a post-match interview, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa rued the lost opportunities.
He said: “It was an open game. But we had more chances, but we could not score goals.
We allowed the game to go into penalties and they won. As you know penalties, are unpredictable.”
His Eagles counterpart Elia Kananji commended the players fighting spirit.
“I have to thank God for the victory. I must commend the boys for putting up extra efforts. I really am pleased to have lifted this cup today. We really are grateful to God,” he said.
