Who will make it for a Carlsberg semis?

The much awaited Carlsberg Cup has reached its final round with eight clubs qualifying to play the quarter finals on Saturday and Sunday in the two major cities of Malawi (Blantyre and Lilongwe).

More than 30 teams from all over the country at the start, now only eight remain. The Super League teams kept their pride alive, as they have managed to progress through, while only one Premier League out-fit Support Battalion managed to sneak through.

 Saturday 1 August 2015 @ Kamuzu Stadium

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers v Dedza Young Soccer (2:30p.m.)

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers will face a tough task against the Irish potato growing district, who apart from being rookies in quarter finals of the cup look well set to give the Nomads headache.

The Nomads were stretched to the limit in the Round of 16 against Chilumba Barracks and won only by 1-0 when many fans had huge expectations from the Blantyre based side.

A lot would depend on Captain Richard Chipuwa, midfield Isaac Kaliati and former Azam Tigers sweeper Kondwani Lufeyo in defense. Apart from those three experienced campaigners’ the Nomads lack consistent and you cannot predict whether they will win, draw or lose.

Dedza Young Soccer managed to came from behind to win in the penalties against Azam Tigers 4-3 in the last 16 round.

Dedza has the most potent attack in the Carlsberg Cup led by Chisomo Giliyoni. He is ably supported by Sri Lanka caps Madushan De Silva, Sajith Kumara and Punsara Thiruna. Henry Misinjo will direct traffic from midfield while the rock-hard former skipper Sadiki Wachimwa man the back four.

All in all if Dedza can stop Rafiq Mussa on the Nomads middle of the park then they are in with a chance but it would be hard as a well drilled Nomads playing in front of their thousands fans, having both in skill wise and fitness levels can fire at will.

 Support Battalion v Silver Strikers @ Civo Stadium (2:30p.m.)

Last year’s Standard Bank champions, Silver Strikers will take on Support Battalion who are in the Carlsberg Cup quarter finals for the first time.

The bankers will be favourites coming into form with a 9-0 demolishing another little known out-fit in the Round of 16 pre-quarters. Their midfield will be the strength with Victor Limbani and Ndaziona Chatsalira and captain Lucky Malata at center-back and slippery striker Green Harawa will add flare into the attack.

However, the bankers cannot take Support lightly, as they booked a place in the quarters defeating another Super League giant Civo United 1-0. It will be all up to the military side attack to make a mark on the match but the side lacking star names would struggle against the more illustrious opponents.

Kamuzu Barracks v Moyale Barracks @ Nankhaka Stadium ( 2:30p.m)

Arguably the pick of the quarter final clashes; Moyale Barracks are Solid current while Kamuzu Barracks are not consistent this season comparing with last season.

However, when the two military sides face each other its grass that suffers. In the Round of 16, Moyale had to win on penalties against their fellow soldiers Red Lions 3-2 after it ended goalless in normal time.

The Kaning’ina soldiers have the likes of Deus Nkutu who can create magic out of nothing and Chamveka Gwetsani, one of the best center-back and Captain Amith Kumara will have to be at their very best.

Kamuzu Barracks on the other hand faced little known Ndirande Icons in their last round of 16 and pre quarters. KB is a very good at keeping possession and passing the ball around bidding their time to attack. However their lack of finishing was highlighted against Fisd Wizards in the League game last week and if it continues against Moyale they will have a long Saturday afternoon.

 Sunday 2 August 2015

Mafco FC v Big Bullets @ Kamuzu Stadium (2:30p.m)

The tie of the round, between two giants, whose only realistic chance of silverware is the FA Cup, has made this a potentially epic tie.

Bullets have hardly played with any flair or swagger this season, but they make sure to bang goals and secure victories.

If Bullets are in the mood and on their game, with their key men all performing, they are likely to have too much pace, guile and cutting edge than Mafco, who still seem to be treading water under this season, despite their lofty position in the table.

Spectators should expect this encounter to come down to a midfield battle, with both sides’ defences likely to give the opposition chances.

In spite of Mafco’s struggles, against a Bullets side facing its own demons, the soldiers have a mental block when it comes to facing the Peoples team

Previously, Bullets have had the upper hand over the Salima based out-fit .

If Mafco will soak up pressure, break quickly and make the most of the pace of Osward Nkagura and Zasher Nong’oneza, Bullets can be in for it.

However, the Peoples team with the absence of their hit-man Chiukepo Msowoya they are aware it will be not easy to escape a jet-figher bomber from the soldiers.

 Carlsberg Cup Quarterfinal fixtures

Saturday 1st August 2015

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers vs.. Dedza Young Soccer at Kamuzu Stadium

Support Battalion FC vs. Silver Strikers at Civo Stadium

Kamuzu Barracks vs. Moyale at Nankhaka Stadium

Sunday 2nd August 2015

Mafco vs. Big Bullets @ Civo Stadium

All games to kickoff at 2:30 PM

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