Violence mars Carlsberg Cup match as KB set final berth
The Carlsberg Cup semifinal on Sunday involving Blantyre United and Kamuzu Barracks (KB) ended badly as play was stopped for 10 minute while KB were leading 2-0 in the 80th minute.
Neutral fans pelted on the pitch unhappy that the only surviving civilian team Blantyre were exiting the cup.
Police fired tear gas to disperse the troublesome fans who also perpetrated violence a fortnight ago when the Lions faced civilian side Evirom in a quarter-final at the same venue.
KB despite missing the services of their two key players Harvey Mkacha and Dave Banda, who are in Nigeria with the Flames, kicked-off the match on a high note as they dominated the whole 45 minutes.
The likes of Joel Chipofya and Manase Chiyesa upfront for KB were force to reckon with as they caused Blantyre United defenders led by Sadick Wachimwa to play under intense pressure.
Blantyre United featuring former Mighty Wanderers striker Anthony Banda upfront were dis-jointed from the midfield going the front line. On several occasions, Blantyre United strikers were jittery inside the 18 yard box.
KB captain World Nkuliwa opened the scores in the 36th minute, deflecting his shot into the net before Kelvin Malikebu flicked in the second into the net on the 75th minute.
Hell broke loose, when Malikebu rushed to a stand which was occupied by ganyu fans to celebrate.
In the middle of their celebrations, Kamuzu Barracks players were pelted stones.
Calm was restored until the 80th minute when ganyu supporters pelted more missled inside the pitch in anger with the referee for showing a Blantyre United player marching orders.
Running battles between the police and the ganyu supporters continued forcing the armed forces to fire teargas which reached as far as Masauko Chipembere Highway all the way to the Polytechnic.
KB date in the final Moyale Barracks who defeated fellow soldiers Red Lions 1-0 through a Gastin Simkonda 35th minute strike at the Northern Region’s Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday.
