Eagles match on in Malawi Presidential Cup: Crash Silver out

TNM Super League leaders Blue Eagles FC Wednesday, May 18, 2016 set up a Presidential Cup round-of-16 tie against Nyasa Big Bullets after crashing Silver Strikers out of the competition.

The two central region giants played out a goal-less draw in regulation 90 minutes, forcing the game straight into penalty shoot-outs, which saw Eagles’ substitute goalkeeper Chakonda Majanga saving spot-kicks from Silver’s Clement Trota and Kondwani Mwaira after Lucky Malata and Thuso Paipi had converted theirs.

Eagles converted all their first four penalties through Wister Phiri, Gilbert Chirwa, Chisomo Chilasa and Phillip Masiye to lead the Bankers 4-2. Both teams did not take their last penalties as the cops from Area 30 had already sealed the tie.

Silver’s coach Lovemore Fazili accepted the defeat but drew positives from his team’s fine display in regulation time.

“We have lost but I am happy with the boys’ performance. We played much better than Blue Eagles and were just unlucky not to win the game in 90 minutes. We are building a good team and things will be okey when the young ones get experience,” said Fazili.

Eagles’ mentor Deklerk Msakakuona admitted his team was at the receiving end especially in the first half but saluted his charges for standing the heat.

“We played under pressure especially in the first half and had to make some changes to stabilise our midfield. We were excellent in the penalty shoot-outs and our goalkeeper did well, saving two penalty kicks,” said Msakakuona.

Moments from full time, Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper John Soko faked injury to pave way for Majanga, who had already started warning up. Silver’s Bright Munthali did the same but it was the visitors’ tactical move that paid dividends as Majanga saved two spot-kicks.

With the win, Eagles will now host Nyasa Big Bullets Wednesday next week at a venue to be announced by Football Association of Malawi.

In another regional play-off at Civo Stadium, Epac defeated Dululu 3-0 to set up a round-of-16 clash against winners between Moyale Barracks and Master Security.

Elsewhere, Mafco booked a quarterfinal berth against Dwangwa United after defeating Azam Tigers 4-1 at Chitowe Stadium.

Other Round-of-16 results

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers 4 Red Lions 3

Max Bullets 2 Wizzards 1

Kabwafu 4 Mchengautuba 3 (penalties).

Other quarterfinal Fixtures

Kabwafu vs Blue Eagles/Nyasa Big Bullets

Max Bullets vs Be Forward Wanderers

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