Lions maul Bankers out of Carlsberg Cup Malawi: Makumba 2-goal hero
Two goals from ‘supersub’ Thomas Makumba were enough for Red Lions to boot out Silver Strikers in the K20 million Carlsberg Cup match played at Zomba Community Centre ground on Sunday.
Makumba, who came in as a substitute for Loti Chawinga notched in the two goals in a space of three minutes with the first goal scored in the 19 minutes.
The Bankers, who missed the services of their key players like Peter ‘Pido’ Pindani, Harvey Nkacha and Tony Chitsulo kicked off the game on a low note, as they failed to tick especially upfront.
Both teams failed to score in the first half.
But in the second half the Lions were marauding as they kept the Bankers on a tight rope.
The Reds midfield , which was marshaled by Prichard Mwanza was well organised that Silver lost the battle in that department.
The introduction of super substitute Thomas Makumba changed the tempo of the game as he inflicted pain to the Area 47-outfit by scoring two goals in a space of three minutes.
The Bankers through Dave Moya tried to equalize, but their frontline which had Gonani and Harawa lacked sparks.
Harawa could have reduced the arrears in the dying minute of the game after receiving a well taken cross from Moya but his header went off the target.
Post-match interviews
Red Lions coach Collins Nkuna was delighted with the win.
“I am delighted with the performance of my boys. Our focus now will be on the cup nothing else, “said Nkuna.
While the Bankers mentor Franco Ndawa, formerly of Red Lions, congratulated their opponents for the victory.
“It’s disappointing to lose and be out of the cup. My congratulations to Lions for getting through,” he said.
Ugly scenes
on another note, two Silver Strikers players Dave Moya and Chimodzi Junior were rushed to Zomba Central Hospital after being beaten by some soccer fans.
The supporters insulted the Silver players after their bus left the ground.
The players failed to handle their emotions as two players Rodrick Gonani and Dave Moya followed one of the fans, who boarded a mini bus.
Chaos erupted as some Zomba based fans came to their colleagues help.
One fan, who was arrested by the police hit Moya with a big stone on his face while Chimodzi Jnr was also injured in the process.
However, the players managed to capture one fan, who was taken to Zomba Police as the two injured players were rushed to the hospital oozing blood.
