Nomads booted out, Silver and Red set-up semi-final clash: Malawi Presidential Cup

Silver Strikers and Red Lions on Wednesday set-up a  semi-final clash in the K60 million ( (about $150 000) Presidential Cup after seeing off their opponents.

In Blantyre, Mighty Wanderers blew up an early lead when Zomba-based solider equalized to force the game into post-match penalties which the visitors won 4-3.

Nomads scored in the 36th minute through Diverson Chilemba and   Boniface Kaulesi replied for the Soldiers  in the second half.

Both teams failed to produce the winning goal forcing the referee George Nyirenda to  call for spot-kicks as a decided.

Silver Strikers: Through to the semis
Silver Strikers: Through to the semis.-Photo by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasa Times

Bernard Harawa and Francis Mlimbika missed their spot kick while Alfred Manyozo, Kondwani Lufeyo and Victor Mpinganjira scored for the Nomads.

The Soldiers scored their penalties through Chikondi Sanudi, Innocent Mulima, and Edwin Ngoma while Benjamin Kalua’s spot kick was saved by Chipuwa.

Red Lions went through to the semi-finals while Nomads were sent packing to follow their arch rivals Big Bullets in watching the rest of the competition from the terraces.

On their part, Silver Striker defeated northern region lower league side Kabwafu F.C 3-0 at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.

Enterprising teenage striker Chawanangwa Kawonga, who last week broke the hearts of Big Bullets with his vital goal that ousted the ‘People’s Team’ was in top form again, inspiring the Banker to their victory again.

Kawonga opened the score sheet 35th minutes into the game.

Peter Pindani took the first shot that was blocked by Kabwafu defenders before Kawonga confidently controlled and moved with the ball before producing a superb strike beating advancing goalkeeper Charles Sikwewa.

Kawonga was a marvel to watch throughout the game displaying his skills.

The 2012-13 TNM Super League relegated side Kabwafu had little to show with only few individuals including Yeneya Banda who was later substituted for Christopher Njikho, Robert Chima, Vitumbiko Kumwenda and Christopher Zgambo showing some flashes.

Young Chimodzi Junior, Pindani, Jester Mlima and Chikondi Likwemba were all in top form controlling proceedings for the Bankers on the midfield.

Bernard Namangwiyo, Lucky Malata and Mabvuto Khodzomba maintained the usual positions at the back.

In the 61st minute Sikwewa let in the second goal from Kawonga in a controversial circumstance that elsewhere they could talk of goal-line technology to prove it had crossed the line.

Kabwafu players protested but the referee ruled it was a goal.

Just few minutes after Kaonga had scored the second goal, Green Harawa hit the last nail on Kabwafu’s coffin.

This prompted Silver to knock the ball around in satisfaction the goal margin.

Silver coach rested keeper Charles Swini for Amadu Ali, Ndaziona Chatsalira for Jester Mlima while Frank Banda came in for Kawonga.

Kabwafu also tried to make changes bringing in Ibrahim Kaunda and Christopher Njikho for Suzgo Nsangu and Yeneya Banda but it never paid any dividends.

Speaking after the match, the losing coach Oscar Kaunda said: “We accept the defeat and we salute our opponents who played better than us. They really deserved to win.”

His counterpart Franco Ndawa was in cloud nine and produced his usual spiritual sentiments.

“First and foremost let me thank Jesus Christ for the win, all is happening because of him. We believe in God and
through his power we will sail through until we grab the cup” said Ndawa.

In another game- an all soldiers affairs -Mafco condemned Moyale Barracks with 4-1, while Azam Tigers knocke out  Mzuzu United w on Wednesday.

This Saturday Lions will meet Silver Strikers at Dedza Stadium while Azam Tigers rock horns with Mafco at the giant Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Results

Nomads 3 Red Lions 4

Silver Strikers 3 Kabwafu 0

Azam 2 Mzuzu Utd 1

Mafco 4 Moyale 1

-(Additional reporting by Jeromy Kadewere, Nyasa Times)

Out of sorts: Nomads technical panel ........Photo Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times
Out of sorts: Nomads technical panel ……..Photo Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times
Chawanangwa Kawonga: Up-and-coming striker
Chawanangwa Kawonga: Up-and-coming striker

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