Ekhaya FC step onto the biggest stage in their young history as they face Malawi giants FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the first leg of a highly anticipated double-legged Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal tie. With a return fixture still to come, everything is to play for across 180 minutes of football.
For Ekhaya, this is more than just a cup tie, it is a debut appearance in elite knockout competition after an impressive maiden FDH Bank Premiership season, where they finished 7th and earned their place among the country’s top eight.
The Road to the Airtel Top 8
The Cowboys’ rise has been remarkable. In their debut top-flight campaign, they collected 42 points, recording 13 wins and 3 draws to secure a historic finish inside the top half of the table.
That achievement has now opened the door to a first-ever appearance on this grand stage, a moment that reflects steady growth and growing ambition.
Form Guide
Both sides enter the fixture with mixed early-season form, though confidence levels tell different stories.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, four-time winners of the competition and runners-up in last season’s league, have started steadily but without their usual dominance, recording a series of draws despite remaining unbeaten.
Ekhaya FC, on the other hand, had a difficult start to the new campaign but arrive in Blantyre on the back of three straight league victories, a sharp upturn that has injected belief and momentum into the squad.
Head-to-Head
History, however, heavily favours the hosts.
The two sides met three times last season, with Bullets winning on all occasions:
1-0 in the Sapitwa4 preseason bonanza
1-0 in the first round league meeting
2-0 in the second round fixture
Despite competitive spells in those matches, Ekhaya are yet to break the Bullets’ resistance, a record they will be desperate to change on Saturday night.
Team News
Ekhaya FC head into the clash with a near full-strength squad. Only Alick Lungu remains sidelined as he continues his recovery. Otherwise, the Cowboys have a strong pool available for selection.
From the Dugout
The challenge is clear, respect the opponents, but not fear them. Bullets’ pedigree makes them favourites, but Ekhaya’s recent form ensures they will not arrive as passengers.
This is a chance to test themselves against the best and measure their progress on the biggest stage.
“All that matters is our level of concentration and how we manage the game from the first whistle to the last.”
Head Coach Enos Chatama shared his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s first ever outing in the Airtel Top 8.
Match Officials
Referee Assessor: Innocent Kaundula
Center Referee: David Chinoko
Assistant Referee 1: Lameck Phiri
Assistant Referee 2: Richard Shumba
Fourth Official: Jimmy Phiri
How to Follow
Mpira TV
FIFA+
Official Facebook Page
Matchday Access
Open Stand: MK 10,000
VIP: MK 25,000
Corporate Box: MK 30,000
A classic cup-night atmosphere awaits — history, pressure, and ambition colliding under the lights, with Ekhaya FC stepping into the unknown against Malawi’s most decorated side.
