By Lusekero Mhango
Maxwell Phodo struck a superb hat-trick as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets eased past Songwe Border United 0-3 to book their place in the Round of 16 of the Castel Cup.
The result sets up a Blantyre derby clash against Ndirande Stars in the round of 16 of the competition, as Bullets look to end the 2025/2026 season with silverware under interim coach Gilbert Chirwa.
The match played at Karonga Stadium in front of a lively and sizeable crowd, saw Phodo put Bullets ahead after just eight minutes, arriving in the six-yard box to turn home a low pass from Ephraim Kondowe.
Songwe, who finished bottom of the 2025 TNM Super League season, responded well despite their struggles and twice came close to equalising when the deficit was still 1-0.
Jeffrey Munthali fired narrowly wide in the 14th minute before Richard Cheyo dragged his effort off target from inside the box just before the half-hour mark.
The visitors, however, regained control after the break, and Phodo doubled the lead on 55 minutes with a well-timed header from a Yamikani Mologeni delivery on the right flank.
The forward completed his hat-trick five minutes from time, lashing a low shot into the far corner after another neat exchange involving Chawanangwa Gumbo.
Despite the scoreline, the home side showed flashes of determination and attacking promise, but their lack of cutting edge proved costly against the clinical visitors.
Bullets interim coach Chirwa was pleased with the performance, saying his side took full advantage of their opportunities.
“We played well today and took our chances when they came, hence I am happy to have made it through to the next round,” Chirwa said.
Songwe Technical Director Gift Chilongo admitted his side struggled to match Bullets’ quality across the pitch.
“We didn’t offer much in the game due to a lack of quality in our team despite showing promise in some parts,” Chilongo said.
