KB pip Epac through penalties to reach quarter-finals: Fisd Challenge Cup

The soldiers of Kamuzu Barracks (KB) had to wait for penalty shoot outs to progress to the quarterfinals of the newly established K45 Million Foundation for Irrigation and Sustainable Development (FISD) Challenge Cup in a round of 16 match against the fast becoming city rivals Epac FC.

The match which had little to write about was played on Tuesday at the Civo Stadium in he Capital City Lilongwe.

This was a second victory for KB ove Epac allias ‘Njenjete’ within a period of four days after the two sides were in action again in a league match played last Saturday at the same venue in which KB  narrowly won 1-0 thanks to a late 87th minute loan goal from Manase Chiyesa.

Suppose it was again a league encounter on Tuesday, the two sides could have again shared the spoils but the winner had to be decided through penalties since it was this time in a knockout competition and one had to bow out out at all cost.

There were no scores on either sides during the regulation time as both sides lacked composure to create genuine scoring opportunities.

KB goalkeeper who was also captain of the day Lehman Nthala ensured his side  book a quarterfinal ticket after skillfully saving two penalties for Epac.

The soldiers managed to convert all their spot kicks through former Moyale Barracks and Civo United striker Dan Ziba, Manase Chiyesa, former Blue Eagles defender Pempho Kansichili and Zinjani Yona to make it 4-2.

The last two penalty kicks one from each side were useless and not played since the game was already beyond Epac’s reach and could have
changed nothing.

Kamuzu Barracks coach Billy Phambala was on cloud nine after the match and repeatedly warned other would be opponents that they are in hot
soup.

“I am happy that we have won and we are through to the next round. I already said it that we are in for serious business and all teams coming on our way both in the league and cup should expect a tough ride this is it; congratulations to my boys” said Phambala.

Epac FC missed a couple  of their key players due to card suspensions a development their coach Audrey Makonyola already earlier already
knew and indicated would affect their game plan.

Action in the FISD Challenge continues on Wednesday with a huge one and mouth watering fixture involving Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers at the Kamuzu Stadium today (Wednesday).

This promises to be a tough and high profile match regarding the fact that the two are also among the hottest super league title contenders.

They are on position one and teo respectively in the league and they will again be meeting in a crucial league match at the Silver Stadium this coming weekend.

Fifth placed in the league Blue Eagles date Civo United at home-Nankhaka ground in another unpredictable Fisd Challenge round of 16 fixture.

Civo will be heading into the match with an inspirational 0-0 league draw against their Capital City rivals Silver Strikers  last Sunday.

Just kilometers away from Nankhaka, favourites Mighty Be Wanderers launches their serious campaign of winning and maintaining their history and tradition of being the first to grab any inaugural cup as they  lock horns with Central Region lower league outfit Lake Valley at the Civo Stadium.

They call themselves ‘Cup Specialists’.

Zolozolo FC of Mzuzu were the first to reach the quarter final stage after beating Dwangwa Town Hammers 1-0 on Monday at the Mzuzu Stadium
thanks to a loan goal from Zikani Sichinga.

They will face the winner between Wanderers and Lake Valley.

Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) through its competitions Manager Gomezgani Zakazaka says the games have started well and they are looking forward to stiff competition.

Zakazaka people should expect alot of surprises from what they call smaller teams as they stand a chances of reaching higher levels of the
competition regarding the fact that they have been paired against each other.

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