Bulllets Vs Wanderers: Malawi Carlsberg Cup final is nigh

This weekend fans will get a taste of what’s to come in the second round of the League when Mighty Be Forward Wanderers take on Big Bullets in the Carlsberg Cup final at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

In the past this fixture has been a feisty affair, and the latest clash doesn’t look likely to disappoint.

The encounter once again sees Blantyre giants battle it out for bragging rights, with the added bonus of some early silverware before the League wraps up.

On paper these teams cannot be separated at the moment, with top talents Rafiq Mussa and Dalitso Sailesi looking to dazzle in front of their fans once more, whilst Mapopa Kaunda   and Chiukepo Msowoya are bound to be in amongst the goals.

Richard Chipuwa surely be looking to prove Mabvuto Lungu and his backroom staff that he still has the talent to stand between the sticks in the country of a top Super League team, and there’s no better way to do it than to take the Carlsberg Cup from the Peoples Team grasp.

Vincent Gona  on the other hand will want to show that Lungu and Nkhwazi has placed his trust in the right hands as he looks to put in another dominant display ahead of Owen Chaima.

Big Bullets are the current holders of the Carlsberg Cup, but the Nomads are looking to take that status away and reclaim it after many years, making it an incredibly enthralling affair.

This may be another anxiety-laden trip to the capital city for the two teams, whose main base is Blantyre.

With the physical Chiukepo Msowoya in prolific form, Bullets have the ability to get goals and score another upset.

But Mabvuto Lungu has not yet shown an ability to excel in defensive tactics and Wanderers creative quality in the likes of Rafiq Mussa and Isaac Kaliati may eventually be decisive.

Key Matchups

Dalitso Sailesi vs Stanely Sanudi
Big Bullets have a good matchup down the left wing with Dalitso Sailesi and his good snake runnings with the ball . However, with one of Malawi’s best right defender Stanely Sanudi there will be battle of young and upcoming players on that side. Sailesi will be supported by Yamikani Fodya bombing on from full-back, whilst the likes of Henry Kabichi and Jaffali Chande will offer him the option of short passes and one-twos to open up the Nomads defence.

Rafiq Mussa vs James Chilapondwa
A key battle in midfield will see James Chilapondwa and company trying to stop the likes of Rafiq Mussa from controlling and dictating the game in the Peoples Team half.

The skillful midfielder will be supported by Alfred Manyozo Jnr from deep. He’ll also have players out wide to help stretch their opponents’ central midfielders.

Jaffali Chande vs Alfred Manyozo Jnr
Jaffali Chande put in a man of the match performance in a 3-0 win for Bullets over Silver Strikers at the Kamuzu Stadium from a central midfield role. We’re going to assume he’ll have freedom to push alongside Mussa Manyenje when his side are in possession.

Alfred Manyozo role will be to prevent the former Epac FC from coming too far forward, keeping him in close check, and when Bullets do have the ball, for him to hurt Wanderers on the break. He’s a good passer, a playmaker and has two quick strikers ahead of him to supply.

Team News

Big Bullets

Sankhani Mkandawire is the only confirmed absentee for the Peoples team as Mabvuto Lungu’s side finished the first round in good health. Whether Eneya Banda, Ian Chinyama, who also had injuries are match fit to feature in the gameday squad remains to be seen.

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers

Left-back Francis Mlimbika has been sidelined for weeks and will miss the final. Striker Ishamel Thindwa is a doubt through injur. Jabulani Linje has been out for more than a month now and he is out again for the finals.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!