FCB Nyasa Big Bullets fail to defend their Airtel Top 8 Trophy after losing to Ekhaya FC in a penalty shootout at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre. Multiple reports say the teams finish their regular time locked at 1–1, setting up a decisive shootout. Ekhaya then wins the penalty shootout 7–6, eliminating the defending champions and ending their hopes of winning the competition for a fourth consecutive season.
The match is described as dramatic and high stakes, with Ekhaya portrayed as underdogs. After converting enough spot-kicks to edge the shootout, Ekhaya progresses to the semi-finals of the tournament. With the result, the tournament’s remaining rounds continue with Ekhaya among the teams set to compete for a place in the final. The outlets agree on the core outcome: Ekhaya defeat Big Bullets on penalties following a 1–1 draw and advance to the semi-finals.
