….Win 2023 Airtel Top 8 Trophy
….Bullets 2-1 Mafco
By Twink Jones Gadama
Nyasa Big Bullets emerged victorious in a thrilling Airtel Top 8 finals against Mafco, winning the match 2-1. The game started on a high note, with both teams aiming to make an impact and score early on.
Mafco had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 19th minute when Peter Kasongo received a well-executed cross from Prince Kacheche.
However, Kasongo failed miserably to convert the chance into a goal, much to the disappointment of the Mafco fans.
It didn’t take long for Nyasa Big Bullets to respond. In the 20th minute, they exerted immense pressure on the Mafco defense, and Lanjesi Nkhoma received a pass from Anthony Mfune.
Nkhoma skillfully slotted the ball into the back of the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead.
Mafco, determined to make a comeback, fought back valiantly. They were rewarded for their efforts when Nyasa Big Bullets’ Nickson Nyasulu scored an own goal, leveling the scoreline at 1-1. The first half ended in a draw, leaving both teams eager to give their all in the second half.
Nyasa Big Bullets came out in the second half with a renewed sense of purpose. They put immense pressure on the Mafco defense, and it was during this period that disaster struck for Mafco.
Phodo was advancing toward the goal when he was fouled inside the 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty for Nyasa Big Bullets.
Nickson Nyasulu, who had made the unfortunate own goal in the first half, was trusted to take the penalty. However, Mafco goalkeeper Chipuwa exhibited great agility and saved Nyasulu’s shot. But luck seemed to favor Nyasa Big Bullets as Lanjesi Nkhoma was in the right place at the right time to collect the rebound and score, giving his team a 2-1 lead.
Mafco had several opportunities to equalize throughout the second half, but the Nyasa Big Bullets goalkeeper was on top of his game, denying every attempt made by the Mafco players.
Lanjesi Nkhoma was exceptional throughout the match, showcasing his skill and determination. As a result, he was named the Man of the Match. In an interview after the game, Nkhoma expressed his happiness at the victory, saying, “I am thrilled that we emerged as the winners today. It was a tough game, but we never gave up, and it paid off.”
The match also marked the end of an era for Yamikani Fodya, who bid farewell to the sport after playing actively for 13 years.
Fodya, who had been with Nyasa Big Bullets for his entire career, expressed his gratitude and said, “I am grateful for the wonderful years I had with the team. Today marks the end of my playing career, but I will continue supporting the team.”
Mafco’s coach conceded defeat and vowed to improve the team’s performance in the future.
“We lost today, but it’s not the end for us. We have learned valuable lessons from this match, and we will work hard to improve ourselves and come back stronger,” he said.
Nyasa Big Bullets have had an incredible year, winning all the major trophies in the country under the guidance of coach Calisto Pasuwa.
They claimed victory in the FDH Cup, Castel Cup, and TNM Super League, adding the Airtel Top 8 trophy to their impressive list.
The team’s assistant coach attributed their success to the unity within the team, the support of the technical panel, management, and most importantly, the dedicated fans.
With the conclusion of the Airtel Top 8 finals, all competitive matches for the year 2023 have come to an end.
The teams will now take a break to rest and regroup before beginning their preparations for the upcoming season.
As the fans bid farewell to an exciting year of football, they eagerly await the start of the next season, hoping for more thrilling matches and unforgettable moments on the field.