FCB Nyasa Big Bullets interim coach Gilbert Chirwa has told his charges not to underestimate Mighty Tigers as they face each other in the Castel Challenge Cup quarterfinals at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon.
The two teams had mixed fortunes in the Super League. Bullets finished second behind champions Mighty Wanderers whereas Tigers were relegated after a disappointing campaign.
For Bullets, they want to enhance their chances of winning the Castel Challenge Cup for the second time in three years having won the inaugural edition in 2023.
Tigers, on the other hand, seek to reach the competition’s semifinals for the first time.
Speaking to Bullets media on Thursday, Chirwa said despite Tigers’ relegation, the Kau-Kau Boys were not pushovers.
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“Yes, Tigers are relegated but cup matches are always tricky. We are sure of that and we have told the boys to take the game seriously,” Chirwa said.
Their last meeting, the two teams shared the spoils after a goal-less stalemate in the league at Mpira Stadium, in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
That was the last match for immediate past coach Peter Mponda as they parted ways with the club after failing to win the league title.
Chirwa has received a major boost as defender Blessings Mpokera, forward Peter Banda and winger Lameck Gamphani are available for selection after missing the 3-1 victory over Ndirande Stars in the round of 16 due to various reasons.
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Tigers coach Trevor Kajawa said his charges were determined to cause an upset in the competition.
“It is a motivation for us to be in the quarterfinals, so the boys are determined to win the match. We have put our relegation woes behind and the focus now is on the cup,” Kajawa said.
Tigers eliminated Civil Service United following a 3-2 victory on post-match penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
The winner between Tigers and Bullets will face either Wanderers or Mzuzu City Hammers, who will meet in another quarterfinal match at Rumphi Stadium tomorrow.
Wanderers and Hammers met in the final last year but Wanderers triumphed 1-0 to lift the cup at Bingu National Stadium.
Blue Eagles and Goshen Dedza Dynamos are already in the semifinals. Eagles defeated Chitipa United 4-1 at Chitipa Stadium whereas Dedza beat Ekhaya 2-0 at Mpira Stadium.