The last semi-final slot in 2015 Standard Bank Knockout Cup will be filled this afternoon by either TNM Super League champions Big Bullets or Mzuzu giants Moyale Barracks as the two sides clash at Civo Stadium.
It is going to be an interesting quarter-final since both sides are hungry for silverware, after failing to win the Carlsberg Cup. Interestingly, both were knocked out by Mighty Be Forward Wanderers.
Moyale were knocked out in the semi-final while Bullets lost in the finals.
In this afternoon’s battle, the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side have a full squad.
Captain Lovemore Mitengo will lead the Kaning’ina outfit. However, much of the attention will be on marksman Deus Nkutu, who is Moyale’s top goalscorer.
Rejuvenated attacking midfielder Luka Muyawa, Kuda Myaba, Chamveka Gwetsani and the Fukizi brothers Clifford and Chrispin, are also available.
Bullets, on the other hand, are hit with injuries.
The People’s Team will miss the services of first-choice goalkeeper Owen Chaima, who suffered a shoulder injury in the TNM Super League match against Red Lions last Sunday.
Second substitute Chimwemwe Kumkwawa will have to step into Chaima’s shoes since Vincent Gona is also injured.
Bullets will also have to find a replacement for injured top goalscorer Chiukepo Msowoya.
He will likely be replaced by Burundian striker Ayimable Niyikiza.
Mussa Manyenje or Jaffalie Chande will partner Nyikiza while Davie Ng’ambi and MacFarlen Mgwira operate from the wings.
James Chilapondwa and Henry Kabichi will command the central midfield.
The last time the two sides met was in a league game that ended a one-all. Bullets had to come from behind to snatch a point in Mzuzu.
Interestingly, Moyale won the GOtv Challenge after beating Bullets 3-2 just before the Super League kicked off.
That victory came after Bullets dominated Moyale for over six years. n
