Mafco win Malawi Pres. Cup after penalty shoot out
Mafco beat Silver Strikers 9-8 on Sunday to win the prestigious K60 million Presidential Cup for the first time.
In a dramatic penalty shootout, Benard Namangwiyo missed the penalty for Silver to hand Mafco the glorious opportunity to win the cup.
Mafco’s victory capped a remarkable spell for coach Stereo Gondwe.
The Salima based soldier’s side walk away with K10 million for being champions.
The soldiers were outstanding throughout the entire 90 minutes as they knocked the ball around attracting vocal support in the process.
Silver struggled to play their usual one touch football. But the bankers managed to show some flashes thanks to Chikondi Likwemba and Young Chimodzi Junior who were in fine form.
Their player of the moment Chawanangwa Kawonga – who has scored a couple of vital goals – was largely anonymous as he was tightly marked by the solid Mafco defense.
Both sides created minimal scoring opportunities.
But, the best moment for Silver came in the 42nd minutes when Ndaziona Chatsalira produced a wonderful 30 meter drive only to be denied by the cross bar with goalkeeper Frank Kasiyano already beaten.
The captivating encounter saw no goals in the regulation time forcing the game to go straight into penalties.
Jimmy Mzunga, Osward Mkagula, Maurice Chiume, Gift Mphonde, Emmanuel Chipeta, Saidi Mtekama, Calisto Kalinda and Paul Phiri converted their spot kicks for Mafco while Zasha Mnon’goneza is the only player who
had his spot kick served.
On the other hand, Silver scored their penalties through Green Harawa, Frank Banda, Farook Likwemba, Ndaziona Chatsalira, Young Chimodzi Junior, Peter Pindani, Lucky Malata and Wonderful German.
Bernard Namangwiyo had his decisive spot kick saved by keeper Frank Kaiyano.
It was a moment of jubilation when referee Dennis Ngulube blew the very final whistle for the soldiers to be crowned the champions.
Silver Assistant coach Hellings Mwakasunguru could not hide his disappointment.
“I am very disappointed and this is a big blow to us. I know the supporters are disappointed too but what else can we say we accept the defeat,” said Mwakasunguru.
The winning coach Stereo Gondwe said he was delighted with the sweet victory and praised his charges for the fighting spirit.
“It was a tough journey; I have also to thank Silver Strikers for the good fight. I am happy that we have won.”
Dejected Silver players receiving their medals Photo by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasa Times
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