Mafco, Bullets set for Pachema FDH Cup final
Mafco last made it to a cup final in 2013 and went on to beat Silver Strikers 10-9 in post-match penalties after a stalemate in regulation time to win the Presidential Cup while Bullets have been winning trophies year in, year out.
But if truth be told, there are no favourites in this afternoon’s cup final which pits two teams that have been consistent in the 2023 season.
There has been an unprecedented resurgence at Mafco under coach Prichard Mwansa since he took over from Stereo Gondwe in May.
The Salima-based outfit go into this final unbeaten in all competitions since August.
In the TNM Super League they saw off Ekwendeni Hammers (2-0), Mighty Wakawaka Tigers (2-1), Civil Service United (2-0) and fought a goalless draw against Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar.
The road to the final has been a winding one for Mafco.
They started the campaign with a 4-2 victory over Simos League outfit Ekwendeni Hard Knockers with Zikani Sichinga scoring a hat-trick while Peter Katsonga scored the other goal.
In round of 16, Mafco gave up a 2-0 lead from a Mphatso Phillimon brace to allow Blue Eagles to level through Christopher Gototo and Chikondi Mvula.
But the gods smiled on Mafco as they won 5-3 in post-match penalties.
In the quarter-finals it ended goalless against Bangwe All Stars and Mafco converted all their spot kicks to win 5-4.
In the semis, a lone strike from centreback Paul Ndhlovu was enough to send Mighty Mukuru Wanderers packing and the soldiers into the final.
This afternoon the skipper is expected to lead his troops once again.
“It’s been a wonderful journey to the final. We worked very hard and we want to finish the job we started.
“We all are aware of what is at stake and we are looking forward to the game,” Ndhlovu said.
Holders Bullets have also been consistent this season in both the league and cup competitions.
They have only lost once in the league to Chitipa United.
Their FDH Bank Cup defence started with a 4-0 victory over rookies Ndirande Stars in round of 32 and a 3-0 triumph over Balaka in round of 16.
A thriller in the quarter-finals as they knocked out Extreme FC 4-2 in post-match penalties after the game ended one-all in regulation time.
Bullets had no problems in the semis as they walloped Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar 5-1.
But Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa said he does not expect the final to be an easy one.
He said: “We won it last year. But to retain it we need to work extra harder.”
This afternoon there will also be individual battles.
Current top scorer Bullets striker Hassan Kajoke with four goals, comes face to face with his closest rival Zikani Sichinga, who has three. Mphatso Phillimon of Mafco, who has two, is also eyeing the Golden Boot.
