Balaka underdogs reach District Presidential finals
Balaka Socials and Pack & Go surprised many soccer enthusiasts by qualifying into district finals of the ongoing Presidential Initiative on Sports (PIS).
The two teams were considered rank outsiders.
Big teams which crashed out of the prestigious cup included reigning champions Chilobwe, last year’s runners-up Super Rangers and former Division One side Andiamo Bullets.
On Sunday, Socials handed the tournament’s favourites, Phalula Dynamos, a 2-0 defeat.
The game followed Pack & Go’s 4-0 thumping of Toleza in a midday encounter at the same venue.
The Balaka Socials and Phalula game was a David and Goliath contest which last year’s quarter-finalists, Phalula, were tipped to win.
The match, however, proved otherwise. Socials, despite having some key players on injury, never allowed Phalula space to play their usual quick passing game.
Socials capitalised on their opponents’ lack of coordination to score two quick goals in the first half and then resorted to a defensive game.
To wing into the finals, Socials knocked out Mchenga, Liwonde Roadblock, Galaxy FC, and Phalula whereas Pack & Go beat Young Soccer, Mbera United and Toleza.
The two meet this weekend to fight for the K100 000 (about $238) ultimate prize. Runners-up will get K70 000 (about $166).
