Ekwendeni Hammers through to Round of 16 Carlsberg Cup
Ekwendeni Hammers are through to the round of 16 of Carlsberg Cup after beating Blantyre based Steffords FC 2-1 on Sunday at Mzuzu Stadium.
Kumbukani Botha scored Hammers’ first goal 30 minutes into the game when he received a through ball from the middle of the park and unleashed a thunderous shot from way out to beat goalkeeper Aubrey Hamilton.
Steffords had no answers to Ekwendeni Hammers’ numerous attacks in the first half until referee Pearson Kamanga blew his whistle for recess.
Hammers came hard on the visitors in the second half in a desperate quest to increase the lead. Defender Bright Mhone headed home Ekwendeni Hammers’ second goal in the 65th minute as a result of poor defending by the visitors.
But in the 75th minute, substitute Mischeck Machipitsa for Stefoords FC driblled past two Hammers defenders and placed the ball far where goalkeeper Frank Kayira could not reach. It ended 2-1 in favour of Ekwendeni Hammers.
Speaking to Nyasa Times after the match, Steffords FC coach, Cyrus Luwindo, said it was a tough game but Hammers’ first goal which, in his opinion, was scored form an offside position disturbed his team.
Ekwendeni Hammers Team Manager, Mabuchi Mkandawire, said he never expected his team to reach this far and was so happy with the victory.
“We shall host Blue Eagles here in the next round and we need to prepare very well. Let me urge our supporters to continue rallying behind us. Last year we also played Blue Eagles in this same cup in Lilongwe but now they will find us here and we hope to humble them,” added Mkandawire.
Ekwendeni Hammers join fellow SIMSO Premier League outfit, Mchengautuba United, into this round following Mchengautuba United’s comfortable 4-1 win against Mighty Ivory of Balaka on Saturday at Mzuzu Stadium as well. Steve Madimba scored all the four goals for Mchengautuba United while John Obi scored Mighty Ivory’s consolation goal.
Mchengautuba United will host Azam Tigers at Mzuzu Stadium in the round of 16.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
