Blue Eagles reach Standard Bank Cup finals
Blue Eagles have booked themselves a place in the final of the 2011 Standard bank knockout cup after beating last year’s runners up Civo United 4 – 3 on post match penalties at the Silver stadium o Saturday.
It was not an exciting semifinal clash and produced little to write home about but a winner had to be found whether in regulation time or otherwise.
No clear cut chances for both team’s but Dickson Mbetewa had a golden chance to put the civil servants ahead through a header but missed the target while the Loti Chawinga led attack failed to put any chance on target.
Blue Eagles played with 10 men for the better part of the second have after Patrick Masanjala was shown marching orders following a crude tackle on Martin Masoatheka as they tussled for the ball.
No opening for any team to win the match in regulation time and penalties were to decide who goes through to the final.
On the spot,Blue Eagles looked good and converted 4 out their 5 spot kicks with Dickson Mbetewa’s effort being saved by Duncan Mkandawire while his captain failed to hit the target.
It is history in the making for the Eagles as they chase their first silverware since 1989. They have been the impressive side this far in the competiton after seeing off Mafco 10 – 1 on aggregate last weekend to book a place in the semis.
Coach for the Eagles Dickleck Msakakuona hailed his boys for the gallant fight but says the battle is not yet over.
“Its a day to remember for us,reaching the finals after a long time is an achievement for us. The boys played well and we thank God for the victory” he told Nyasa Times after the game.
His opposite number Alex Masanjala was obviously dejected but said his boys tried their best and that it was not their day.
The Eagles will meet either defending champions Moyale or Red Lions who will do battle on sunday at Civo stadium in the last semifinal fixture.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :