By McLloyd Kudzingo
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets claimed a historic quadruple trophy haul on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, after beating Mafco FC 2-1 to win Airtel Top 8 Cup, Season 6.
Lanjesi Nkhoma was the hero of the day after claiming a brace to seal yet another title for the People’s team who had already won Super League title, FDH Cup and Castel Challenge Cup.
The People’s team got their first chance in the game just 6 minutes from kick off when Maxwell Phodo headed over the cross bar from a rebound after Mafco goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa fumbled a Patrick Mwaungulu’s free-kick.
Mafco almost took the lead in the 10th minute when Mphatso Phillimon was found unmarked in the six yard box but his header went over the cross bar.
Prince Kachere who equalized for Mafco during a semi-final clash against Silver Strikers, missed a golden opportunity when he was found unmarked in the six yard box, only to shoot wide when the goalkeeper was already beaten.
Nkhoma broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute as he scored with a simple tap in after he was found unmarked following an Anthony Nfune’s brilliant cross.
The Salima-based soldiers equalised in the 34th minute through an own goal by Nickson Nyasulu who connected into his own goal, a well taken free-kick by Aubrey Chafewa following a communication breakdown between himself (Nyasulu), Clyde Senaji and goalkeeper Clever Mkungula.
In the second half, Mafco got their first chance in the 46th minute through Philmon but just just like Kachere in the first half, he fired wide from a close range.
Bullets had a chance to reclaim the lead in the 50th minute through Patrick Mwaungulu but his shot was again beautifully saved by Mikuwa.
In the 70th minute, Bullets were awarded a penalty by referee Mayamiko Kanjere after Chafewa fouled Phodo in the penalty box.
The own goal scorer, Nyasulu stepped in to take the penalty, perhaps to have his sins forgiven, but unfortunately it didn’t go as planned.
Mikuwa saved Nyasulu’s penalty but the defender has Lanjesi Nkhoma to thank as he scored from a rebound to put his side back in the lead.
Despite the goal, Mafco continued to play with confidence and they almost got an equalizer in the added time but Peter Kasonga’s header went wide.
After the match, Nkhoma was voted man of the match but that was not the only thing that he achieved as he has also finished the tournament as the Top Goal Scorer having netted three goals.
In a related development, Bullets defender Yamikani Fodya has announced his retirement from active football after playing for the club for 14 years.
