KB, Nomads set up FISD Cup final showdown: Soldiers blow up Bankers
High flying military outfit Kamuzu Barracks FC on Sunday, November 20, 2016 set up a FISD Challenge Cup final clash against cup specialists Mighty Be Forward Wanderers after blowing up Silver Strikers right at the Bankers’ back yard in Lilongwe’s Area 47.
Striker Manase Chiesa hit the lone strike that sank the Bankers on 69 minutes after receiving a pass from midfielder Harvey Nkacha.
The strike came as a body blow for the Central Bankers, who were on fire in the first half but failed to beat in form Lehman Nthara in between the soldiers’ goal posts.
On more than two occasions, the hosts came close to scoring but Nthala thwarted long efforts from Young Chimodzi Junior and overlapping defender Mike Robert.
To bolster their attacking machinery, the Bankers brought in super substitute Blessings Tembo and Victor Limbani, who had been relegated to the bench following the return of Green Harawa from Mozambique, where he was playing professional soccer. Apart from missing on the starting line-up, Limbani also lost his number 10 jersey to Harawa.
The coming in of the two experienced players did not bear fruits as Kamuzu Barracks started charging dangerously into Silver’s territory.
In one of the soldiers’ raids, Nkacha let go a defence splitting pass, which slipped past defender Naston Harazi before being met by Chiesa just outside the 18-yard box. The former Escom United striker hit the ball first time, beating advancing goalkeeper Blessings Kamiza.
The soldiers had a chance to barry the game on the dot of full time, when they were awarded a penalty by referee Ishmael Chizinga following a foul by defender Mike Ntonyo on Chiesa. However, Kelvin Hanganda’s kick from the spot was saved by Kamiza, who just like his opposite number had a grand game.
Five minutes of added time did not yield anything for the bankers as the soldiers stood firm in defence.
Silver’s Lovemore Fazili accepted the defeat, lamenting the missed first half opportunities.
“We had a couple of good chances in the first half but we failed to score. Kamuzu Barracks reorganised themselves in the second half and punished us. That’s what happens when you don’t take your chances,” said Fazili.
His counterpart Billy Phambala praised his charges for playing according to game plan.
“We had a plan for Silver and the boys did exactly what I told them. We are done with Silver and we now have to make a plan for Be Forward Wanderers in the final,” said Phambala.
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