Civo claim first Knock-Out semi-final slot: Standard Bank Cup

One who kills by the sword dies by the sword! Barely two weeks after eliminating Kamuzu Barracks from the Standard Bank Knock-Out Cup competition, Dedza Young Soccer met their match on Friday, September 25, 2015, when they were beaten 2-0 by Civil Service United (Civo) in a quarterfinal match played before a reasonable crowd at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

Smarting from a 4-1 league defeat at the hands of Blue Eagles, the civil servants were more cautious in their approach for the Friday match as they led the Saints 1-0 just after three minutes of play- courtesy of a brilliant strike from Gerald Nkungula.

The visitors tried to reorganise themselves to get an equaliser but it were the hosts who grabbed another goal on the dot of half-time.

Midfielder Nelson Kangunje scored the goal after connecting a cross from overlapping defender Emmanuel Zoya.

Despite both teams making some changes in the second half, there were no more goals in the last half.

Dedza, however, suffered another setback towards the end, when their first choice goalkeeper Carlington Misomali was stretchered off the field and taken to hospital after sustaining an uncle injury.

He was replaced by substitute goal keeper Precious Chiphaka. Misomali returned to the stadium after the game wearing a plaster-of-paris.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Civo assistant coach Beggie Mwagomba praised his charges for putting aside memories of the 4-1 league defeat and playing to instructions.

“We reflected on the mistakes we made during our previous games and the boys followed all the instructions that we gave them.

“We are now geared to face any opponent in the semi-finals and our aim is to win this cup,” said Mwagomba, whose side is expected to face winners of Sunday’s quarterfinal match involving Moyale Barracks and Big Bullets scheduled for the same venue.

Dedza coach Millias ‘Jegwe’ Pofera accepted defeat, saying Civo were the better side.

“We were below par in every department- from defence up to striking force. Civo were the better side and deserved the win,” said Pofera.

Standard Bank’s head of marketing Thokozani Unyolo, who witnessed the match expressed satisfaction with the way the tournament has progressed so far.

“There has been very good progress and we have not heard of any single incident of violence. The competition has also been tough and losing teams have gracefully accepted results.

“We set aside K43 million for this year’s competition- K25,000 for prizes and other awards with the remaining amount going towards promotional and other activities. If things continue moving like this, we are going to bring in lots of pleasant surprises and other good things,” said Unyolo.

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