Striker Maxwell Gastin Phodo has rediscovered his lethal touch to power FCB Nyasa Bullets’ into the Castel Challenge Cup semi-finals, after scoring in every round of the competition this far.
He was at it again yesterday when Bullets eliminated Mighty Tigers with a 2-0 victory at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
From the opening match in Round of 32 to the last-eight showdown, Phodo has been clinical, composed and ruthless, netting seven goals.
The forward made a statement as he netted a brace in Bullets 3-0 victory over Karonga United in Round of 32 at Karonga Stadium on a day when Bullets needed authority and assurance against a hostile host.
His hat-trick sealed a 3-0 victory and set the tone for Bullets’ cup campaign.
The Round of 16 brought a lower leaguer but determined Ndirande Stars.
The rookies threatened an upset, scoring first in a match played at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Phodo responded ruthlessly as he struck twice in a 3-1 victory with the other goal coming from striker Ephraim Kondowe.
As Bullets are progressing in the competition, so too is the narrative of Phodo’s revival.
By the time Bullets met Mighty Tigers in the quarter-finals at Kamuzu Stadium yesterday, the spotlight was firmly fixed on the forward.
The striker netted a first-half brace in Bullets’ 2-0 victory.
Tigers pressed, chased and attempted to disrupt Bullets’ rhythm, but Phodo’s quality proved decisive.
His first goal, just six minutes into the match, was a powerful header from a Blessings Mpokera delivery.
The second goal in the 20th minute, was pure striker’s instinct as he met defender Yamikani Mologeni pass on a tight angle and finishing with precision to double the lead.
In the space of three rounds, Phodo is now chasing the golden boot with a hat-trick against Karonga United, a brace versus Ndirande Stars and another one against Tigers.
After the match, Phodo attributed his blistering form to teamwork.
“I owe this to them. Without my teammates, I cannot achieve all this,” he said.
Bullets will face the winner between Mzuzu City Hammers and Mighty Wanderers who face off this afternoon at Rumphi Stadium.
In a post-match interview Bullets interim coach Gilbert Chirwa said they are ready to face any opponent in the semi-finals.
He said: “We will prepare for any team that we will meet in the semi-finals.
“We know where we are going it will be tough. But we will be ready.”
