Andrew Mdzumira
Scenes of jubilation among FCB Nyasa Big Bullets supporters and visible disappointment for fans of Goshen City Dedza Dynamos on Saturday afternoon 21st February 2026, at Bingu National Stadium as referee Mayamiko Kanjere blew the final whistle to signal the end of the 2025 Castel Challenge Cup final.
Football lovers filled the stadium to witness a thrilling finale of the prestigious cup competition.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides failing to break the deadlock. Hassan Kajoke, Wongani Lungu and Maxwell Phodo all came close for Bullets, but Dynamos remained solid at the back.
Captain Lughano Kaira marshalled the defence brilliantly, working hand in hand with his teammates to frustrate the attacking threats.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Hassan Kajoke capitalised on a defensive lapse. Dedza defenders failed to clear their lines, and goalkeeper Donnex Mwakisinga was caught off his line, allowing Kajoke to slot home the opener into the empty net.
Kajoke doubled the lead in the 79th minute from the penalty spot after being brought down inside the box. However, Dynamos pulled one back in the 83rd minute through Chikondi Mbeta, setting up a tense finish. Despite late pressure, Bullets held on to secure a 2-1 victory.
Although Bullets fell short in the Super League title race, they have now secured two trophies this season, outperforming rivals Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers, who managed one trophy each.
This marks Bullets’ second Castel Challenge Cup triumph, having first won it in 2023. They were eliminated at the semi-final stage in 2024, a year when Wanderers lifted the trophy.
Speaking after the match, Dynamos head coach Alex Ngwira accepted defeat but praised his players for their determination in reaching the final.
“In the first half we did not attack much because we instructed the boys to prevent Bullets from using the wings. That is why you saw us focusing more on defending,” he said.
Ngwira acknowledged Bullets’ quality, admitting that costly mistakes, particularly for the first goal, proved decisive.
“We made changes and the boys responded quickly, which resulted in our goal,” he added.
Bullets’ interim head coach Gilbert Chirwa expressed delight at finishing the season on a high note as cup champions.
“We created many chances, especially in the first half, but finishing was a challenge. Although we failed to win the league title, winning two cups is an achievement. Bullets is a big brand, and our league performance was not impressive,” he said.
Chirwa also praised goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu, describing him as a talented shot-stopper with good height and presence, and suggested he deserves consideration for national team selection.
Since taking charge of the team, Chirwa revealed that he has won all six matches he has managed.
For Dynamos, it was their first-ever appearance in a major cup final.
Dedza had hoped to witness history and celebrate with their sponsor, Goshen City, whose leader Prophet Shepherd Bushiri was present at the match.
