Experience prevailed over youth exuberance as Nyasa Big Bullets bagged the FDH Cup after gunning down their reserve side 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Babatunde Adepoju, skipper Chimwemwe Idana and Anthony Mfune won it for Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium.
Happy Mphepo’s consolation for the reserve proved too little to salvage something from this family affair in Blantyre.
The reserve side had ousted three top-flight teams to reach the final of the FA Cup equivalent.
When play started, the juniors set the match’s tempo with their boundless energy and strong tackles.
Bullets, the 15-time Malawi league champions, lived dangerously in the opening quarter hour.
But once the giants rediscovered their rhythm, the reserve’s pace proved inferior to their seniors’ wisdom.
Little wonder, Nigerian striker Adepoju scored in the 13th minute after making the most of the seniors’ sleek move.
It was Adepoju’s fifth goal of the cup equivalent that guaranteed him the Golden Boot Award.
The towering striker also leads the TNM Super League Golden Boot chase with 16 goals.
Bullets looked certain to wrap up the game as they nearly doubled the advantage through Mfune’s shot.
However, the juniors refused to yield to the pressure. This time around, Mphepo appeared from nowhere to make a timely goal-line clearance.
The reserves sought a quick response which they got on the stroke of half-time, with Mphepo popping at the other end to score.
He made the most of Chimwemwe Yasini’s free-kick to find space in the net, beating goalkeeper Clever Mkungula. Half-time ended 1-1.
The Kalisto Pasuwa senior side finally killed the game as a contest when Idana unleashed a rocket into the top corner from range.
Two goals soon became three when Mfune timed his header to perfection to guide the ball into the net. That proved to be the ultimate clincher of Malawi’s most lucrative cup.
It was Pasuwa’s fifth silverware since he joined Bullets in 2018. Bullets are also favourites to defend the league title for a fourth consecutive time.
Reserve team coach Enos Chatama admitted that the senior team played better and hence deserved the win.
“We thank all the supporters who gave us support all the way. Your support can’t go unnoticed,” he said.
“You really gave us motivation and encouragement. Lastly, congrats to the senior team for walking away with the prize. One winner, one loser, part of the game.”
