By Tione Andsen

Lilongwe, August 21, Mana: FDH Defending Champions, Nyasa Big Bullets Wednesday night marched into the first 2024 Cup final after beating Moyale Barracks 3-1 in a thrilling semi final encounter played at Bingu National Stadium in Area 48 in Lilongwe before a capacity crowd.

What a send-off for the people’s team as they are expected to leave the country Thursday for their second league match of the CAF Champions league preliminary against Red Arrows in Lusaka, Zambia as they are carrying a 2-1 lead.

Bullets will now face Premier Division side, Blue Eagles in the finals of FDH cup after they had sent off Karonga United packing with a 2-0 win during the first semi-final match played at Civo Stadium in Area 9 in Lilongwe.

Bullets’ prodigal son, Babatunde Adepoju stunned Bingu stadium fans which his solemn effort goal to finish off the games and it was a marvel to watch.  

It was balanced affair with both trams creating scoring chances but the physically play of Moyale played to their disadvantage.

With three minutes into the game, Babatunde went into the danger but his shot was blocked by Victor Mwale and four minutes later, Moyale’s Luke Chima had his goal bound shot blocked for a corner.   

Moyale’s Chima had another opportunity of taking his side into the lead after 14 minutes but he shot wide and six minutes later was brilliant exchanges by the Kaning’ina boys which involved Charles Nkhoma, Clifford Chimulambe and Boniface Chuma.

Bullets took the lead 1-0 after 21 minutes when Ephraim Kondowe slotted home a Babatunde pass after he had played the ball between tow Moyale defenders, Mwale and Jere.

Five minutes later, prodigal Babatunde had his name on the scoresheet when his cannonball like shot kissed the back of the net leaving Moyale keeper, Olyce Nkhwazi helpless.

At half hour mark, sensing danger, Moyale Barracks pulled out of form midfielder for Chifundo Damba to strengthen their heart of the pack in which Bullets was dominating.

Moyale’s Allan could have reduced the arrears after 45+1 when he shot was craftily blocked with keeper Richard Chimbamba beaten.   

The two teams went into break at 2-0.

The second half saw Bullets’ left back was exposed and Moyale capitalized on and it only took seven minutes for Allan to pull one back to make the scores 1-2.

Babatunde has his long range effort flying wide at goal to the excitement of the Bullets faithful’s.

Bullets made tactical change when the chips were down in the midfield and they rested Ronald Chitiyo for Lloyd Aaron and the game turned into a balanced affair.

What a goal! At 71 minutes when Babatunde dribbled past Mwale and Jere before providing a dummy over keeper, Nkhwazi before planting home his second and third for his team to make it 3-1.

To consolidate the lead Bullets rested Stanley Billiat for veteran left back, Previous Sambani after 72 minutes and two minutes later they introduced Sean McBrams for Kondowe.

McBrams showed that he has potential to operate right deep inside the central pack where he gave Moyale Barracks defence terrible times.

Four minutes were added but no goal was scored and it ended 3-1 in favour of Bullets.

“Babatunde is back and he is so flexible on the ball and his third goal was a real art of a striker,” Soccer fan, John Jere said.

He said Bullets’s hope is now restored in him and the scoring drought days are being reduced by every game.