Nomads, Mafco face-off in Carlsberg Cup
Be Forward Wanderers this afternoon get a stern test in their campaign to defend the Carlsberg Cup for the second successive time when they face Mafco FC in the last 16 clash at Balaka Stadium.
Wanderers are the cup’s record holders having won three of the eight events so far. They were the inaugural champions in 2000 before winning it in 2015 and 2016. Nyasa Big Bullets are second best winners with two trophies (2002 and 2014) while Moyale Barracks, Blue Eagles and Kamuzu Barracks took the glory once apiece in 2001, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
As for Mafco, their best achievement in the competition was reaching the semifinal stage last year.
In this afternoon’s battle for the quarter-final slot, Wanderers will be taking on fellow top-flight league side after surviving a scare from a lower league side.
The Nomads qualified through post-match penalties against Simama Northern Region Football League side Fish Eagles 6-5 in the round of 32 after a one-all draw in regulation time while Mafco beat Chipiku Central Region Football League team Chitedze 2-0.
In their recent meeting, Wanderers beat Mafco 3-0 in the TNM Super League first round in June.
“This is going to be a tricky fixture for us but we are well-prepared for the fight so as to keep our second title-defence hopes alive,” said Wanderers coach Yasin Osman.
“We respect every team we meet in cup games and we have left no stone unturned to claim victory this Wednesday.”
According to Osman, the match might mark the return to the pitch of Nomads’ goal-poachers Peter Wadabwa, Amos Bello and Ishmail Thindwa, who have been out of service due to injuries. He, however, said other key players such Joseph Kamwendo, Yamikani Chester, Precious Msosa and Lucky Malata will also be available.
On the other hand, his Mafco counterpart Temwa Msuku said although many consider Wanderers as favourites in this encounter due to their recent vain of form, the Salima-based soldiers are not under pressure.
“We accept that Wanderers are one of the well-assembled teams in the competition and their status as the defending champions gives them an advantage. Nevertheless, such statistics are just on paper; we will work hard in the field of play,” he said.
Msuku added that he will have a full squad except for midfielder Gift Soko and defender Yohane Malunga. Soko is ill while Malunga will not be eligible after received two yellow cards in previous matches.
“But the likes of Kalisto Kalinda, Ranken Mwale, Maurice Chiumia and Stain Malata will be available for the match and we are looking forward to a victory on Wednesday,” he said. n
