It was penalty shootout heartbreak for Nyasa Big Bullets, as Henry Kabichi and Sankhani Makdawire missed from the spot in a crushing FDH Bank Cup quarter-final defeat to Silver Strikers.
When Prince Phiri’s kick hit the crossbar there was a real hope for advancing to the last four and ultimate redemption for Bullets, who on Sunday failed to clinch Cecafa Kagame Cup, but from the brink of glory in front of their supporters at Silver Stadium collapsed.
Hassan Kajoke had given Bullets the lead on the fourth minute but Silver wrestled control of possession with Stain Davie scoring an equalizer at the half an hour mark after capitalizing the poor marking.
Zicco Mkanda placed Bullets ahead in the 50th minute when he collected an neat pass from the left, beating Charles Thom near post, but the lead was short lived as Davie found his second goal after collecting Tembo’s free-kick with a powerful header.
For Bullets’ players, though, there was only despair. Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa tried to console Makdawire and Kabichi but he knows himself how badly they will be feeling.
Silver Strikers dominated the match from the first whistle with the hosts looking to deliver crosses from the flanks for their target-man, Stain Davie.
The move paid off in as they were able to come back twice as they dominated the battle in the middle of the park despite conceding simple goals.
The match between the two sides came at a time when they are fighting for the TNM Super League championship this season as they are separated by two points.Nyasa Big Bullets are the top with 48 points from 22 matches whereas second-placed Silver have 46 points from 24 matches.
Silver will now face Mighty Wanderers who beat Mafco 2-0 on Sunday to qualify for the semifinals of the K90 million FDH Bank Cup.
Vincent Nyangulu and Vitumbiko Kumwenda scored in the first half at Kamuzu Stadium to send the Normands to the last four.
