By McLloyd Kudzingo
Nyasa Big Bullets on Saturday, held on by a thread to keep their hopes of defending the FDH Cup title alive as they came from behind to draw 1-all against Extreme FC and cruise to the semifinals after winning 4-2 on post-match penalties
In a match played at Civo Stadium, the Mchinji-based side looked more determined to cause a huge upset as they played ‘extremely’ well especially in the first half.
Gregory Mwase put the hosts ahead just 20 minutes into the game after a lapse in Bullets defense.
Following the goal, Extreme continued to pile pressure on the defending champions as Beston Jimu, Justice Honde and Mwase pressed hard to extend the lead but Bullets defense tried their best to avoid further embarrassment.
In the second half, Bullets made a number of changes but still failed to get the back of the net as Blessings Juma in goals for Extreme was always alert to deny the Ndirande outfit an equaliser.
Just when everybody thought it was going to be the end of the road for the People’s team, substitute Ephraim Kondowe had other thoughts as he scored just a minute before the end of the regulation time to force the game into penalties.
Kondowe equalized with a stunning header after receiving brilliant pass from MacFarlane Ngwira.
During the penalty shootout, Bullets scored their penalty kicks through Precious Sambani, Precious Phiri, Clyde Senaji and Nickson Nyasulu as Thokozani Mwangata and Chikondi Chasowa missed their spot kicks for the hosts.
After the match Extreme FC’s shot-stopper Blessings Juma was voted man of the match for his extraordinary performance.
Bullets will now face the winner between Dedza Dynamos and Moyale Barracks in the semifinals.
In another FDH Cup match, Mafco FC cruised into the semifinals after beating Bangwe All Stars 5-4 on post match penalties.
The match that was played at Mpira Stadium ended goalless in regulation time as Mafco finished the match with 10 men following a red card on Mphatso Filimoni in the second half.
Auspicious Kadzongola scored the last penalty for Mafco after Blessings Kameza saved Yamikani Mologeni’s penalty.
In another FDH Cup fixture, on Sunday, Dedza Dynamos will host Moyale Barracks as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers play Zingwangwa United and the winner will play Santhe Admarc.
