Frank Mojah Dzuwa
They came as giant-killers, fearless and hungry. Plascon-sponsored Mzuzu City Hammers made a name in the 2025 edition of the Castel Challenge Cup by hammering league winners Mighty Wanderers and shaming FDH Cup champions, Silver Strikers.
They set up a semi-final crash, taking on FCB Nyasa Big Bullets – a team others described to have had a bad season after they lost the league with 6 defeats and failed to reach the FDH Bank Cup final.
But when they arrived in Blantyre with their buckets of paint, the story changed. They met a fallen giant, a wounded Bullets side that has spent much of the season searching for its old self. A team that has just lost all their top scorers; Chikumbutso Salima and Babatunde Adepoju.
Written off, limping, and living on reputation alone, Bullets found just enough fire to halt the fairy-tale. A composed 2–0 victory ended Hammers’ giant-killing run and sent the former kings into the final, where they now stand one win away from redemption and a historic clash with Goshen City Dedza Dynamos.
Against the backdrop of a difficult 2025 season and widespread doubts over their Castel Challenge Cup campaign, Bullets defied the odds, booking a place in the final with a 2–0 victory over Hammers.
Wongani Lungu, former Hammers player, was the hero on the day, scoring both goals against his former employers to propel Bullets into their second cup final in two seasons.
Their only silverware in 2025 was the Airtel Top 8 Cup, making this run to the Castel Challenge Cup final another statement of resilience from the People’s Team.
Lungu opened the scoring deep into first-half added time, giving Bullets a vital lead at the break. He then sealed the win in the second half with a composed finish to confirm Bullets’ place in the final.
A final of fairy tales, either way it goes
The victory sets up an intriguing final against Dynamos, who defeated Blue Eagles on Saturday at the same venue.
While Dynamos will be stepping onto the final stage for the first time in their history, Bullets arrive with experience—this being their second final appearance despite a season marked by struggles and transition.
The Castel Challenge Cup final will be played on 21 February 2026 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, promising a compelling contest between a seasoned giant seeking redemption and an ambitious Dynamos side chasing history.
After the match, Bullets caretaker coach Gilbert Chirwa praised his team’s preparation and discipline.
“We were very much prepared. We analysed their previous games and watched videos, so we knew how they played. They are a good, well-organised team. I thank my boys for how they played today—very organised and very clinical in front of goal,” said Chirwa.
Mzuzu City Hammers head coach Lazarus Nyemera admitted his side struggled to match Bullets’ intensity.
“It was a tough game. We knew their approach would be positive, so we tried another game plan, but it did not work. We will regroup and build a stronger team for the National Division League,” he said.
Line-ups
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets:
Innocent Nyasulu, Blessings Mpokera, Yamikani Mologeni, Henry Chiwaya, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Wongani Lungu, Maxwell Phodo, Khumbo Banda
Mzuzu City Hammers:
Innocent Kamwambi, Aubrey Simbi, Anord Phiri, Chimwemwe Chunga, Gift Mbewe, Akeem Abioye, Isaiah Nyirenda, Chisomo Sambani, Alex Msiska, Alex Orotomal, Samuel Amos
