Day of reckoning

All roads certainly lead to Civo Stadium today as Nyasa Big Bullets and Moyale Barracks come face-to-face in a potentially nail-biting Presidential Cup final in Lilongwe.

The teams meet four years after a similar showdown was decided by the then People’s Team forward, Gabadihno Mhango, at the same venue. Pride, a trophy and K10 million is at stake. Prepare for battle.

Moyale will be seeking revenge on Bullets, whereas the People’s Team hope that history will repeat itself. Both teams are eager to win their first silverware of this season.

On head-to-head statistics, Bullets are favourites, but Moyale are no push-overs in a cup final.

In this fixture, Fischer Kondowe, George Nyirenda, Chiku Kanyenda, Owen Chaima and Diverson Mlozi are the survivors from the 2012 final, whereas Lovemore Mitengo, Crispin Fukizi and Gastin Simkonda featured for Moyale four years ago.

However, reports suggest that Simkonda and Khuda Muyaba are unavailable due to yellow card suspensions, hence the potential-match winner for Moyale could be Fukizi.

Moyale gaffer Collins Nkuna now has an opportunity to put smiles on the soldiers’ fans. The two teams drew 0-0 in a league meeting, but a cup match is different, even more that Moyale are cup specialists.

“The boys are determined to win the cup. It will not be an easy job but we have a special plan for the game,” Nkuna said.

Bullets Team Manager, Rahim Ishmael, is aware that a cup final is always tricky.

“The mood is good in our camp. We are treading carefully because a cup final is not an ordinary match. Our goal is to grab the trophy but the better team will carry the day,” Ishmael said.

Burly striker Chiukepo Msowoya will likely partner Nyikiza Aimable in Bullets front-line as Muhammad Sulumba is out due to a two-yellow card suspension.

As of Thursday, Bullets’ midfielders Henry Kabichi, Dalitso Sailesi and Mike Mkwate were doubtful for the match due to injuries.

Bullets booked a ticket to the final after beating Mafco 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium, whereas Moyale defeated Be Forward Wanderers 1-0 in Mzuzu.