By Twink Jones Gadama
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-It was a heated battle at the Bingu International Stadium in Lilongwe as Nyasa Big Bullets clashed with Silver Strikers in the final of the NBS Charity Shield Trophy.
Both teams were determined to make their mark in this prestigious tournament, with Nyasa Big Bullets having won it seven times in the past and Silver Strikers eager to secure a victory against their rivals.
The match started with both teams going all out in search of an early goal.
However, solid defending from both sides meant that the score remained level for the first 25 minutes.
Silver Strikers tried to break the deadlock with some attacking play, but Nyasa Big Bullets’ defense held strong, with Maxwell Pipe in particular making crucial blocks to deny their opponents.
Collin Mujuru, who recently joined Nyasa Big Bullets from Dynamos, showcased his skills on the pitch with his slick footwork and passing accuracy.
As the first half drew to a close, Nyasa Big Bullets had a golden opportunity to score from a corner, but it was poorly taken, much to the frustration of their supporters.
Yamikan Mologen received a yellow card for a foul, adding to the tension of the match.
With no goals scored in regulation time, the match was forced into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
The tension was palpable as both teams lined up to take their spot-kicks.
Precious Sambani was the first to take a penalty for Nyasa Big Bullets but missed his shot, sending it over the crossbar.
Binwell Katinji stepped up for Silver Strikers and calmly slotted his penalty into the back of the net.
The penalty shootout saw both teams trade blows, with some nerve-wracking moments for the players and fans alike.
Maxwell Pipe, former Nyasa Big Bullets player Chimwemwe Idana, and Simon Kamanga were among those who successfully converted their penalties for Silver Strikers, while Hassan Kajoke, Precious Phiri, Ephraim Kondowe, Nixon Nyasulu, Mpokera Blessings, and Yamikan Mologen all found the back of the net for Nyasa Big Bullets.
In the end, it was Nyasa Big Bullets who emerged victorious, winning the penalty shootout 7-6 and clinching the NBS Charity Shield Trophy for the seventh time.
The supporters erupted in jubilation as the players celebrated their hard-fought victory.
Captain Patrick Sambani lifted the trophy in front of the ecstatic crowd, with chants of “Mwanayoo mwanayoo mwana ndi mwana” ringing through the stadium.
In the post-match interviews, Nyasa Big Bullets coach Calisto Pasuwa congratulated Nyasa Big Bullets on their win and praised his former assistant coach Peter Mponda for his efforts.
Mponda, on the other hand, accepted the outcome graciously and vowed to work on improving his team for future competitions.
The mutual respect between the two coaches was evident, showcasing the sportsmanship and camaraderie that defines Malawian football.
As the dust settled on an enthralling final, Nyasa Big Bullets fans celebrated their team’s success, while Silver Strikers reflected on a valiant effort.
The NBS Charity Shield Trophy once again delivered a spectacle of footballing excellence, with Nyasa Big Bullets emerging as deserving champions.
With the season now in full swing, both teams will look to build on this performance and continue their quest for glory on the pitch.
