BB reserves shock eagles
Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves continued their giant-killing exploits yesterday as they came from behind to beat Blue Eagles 2-1 in a thrilling FDH Bank Cup quarter-final action at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
At Balaka Stadium, another second-tier league side Extreme FC of Mchinji booked a semi-final slot following a 2-0 triumph over Changalume Barracks.
However, the Reserves match proved to be the most interesting as Enos Chatama’s charges struck in additional time through Lyton Chinong’one’s goal to book their place in the semi-finals.
Blue Eagles drew first blood in the 35th minute when Chifuniro Mpinganjira headed home Gaddie Chirwa’s well-curved cross for the visitors to lead 1-0 at the end of first half.
Reserves put up a dominant display in the second half and their effort paid off in the 48th minute when they restored parity through Happy Mphepo, who made the most of Chikumbutso Salima’s cross.
And just when everybody thought the game was headed for post-match penalties, Chinong’one scored in the 94th minute to give the Reserves a deserved victory.
“We are happy to have reached the semi-finals. The boys played according to instructions, especially in the second half and it worked,” Chatama said.
At Balaka Stadium, Extreme booked the last-four slot courtesy of strikes by Beston Jimu in the third minute and Maxwell Matewere in the 72nd minute.
Reserves and Extreme will face off in the semi-finals while Bullets main team will take on rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
FDH Bank plc public relations and marketing manager Lorraine Chikhula said they were happy with the progress of the competition, which she said has been more successful as compared to the inaugural edition last year.
She said: “Being the second season, there have been great improvements in a number of areas. We have also seen more engagement from supporters as the cup is now becoming a household name.
“We are also pleased with the participation of teams that have been big teams for years as well as those previously considered underdogs and weren’t participating in big leagues before.
“As sponsors, we are happy with the growth platform the cup is providing for football in the country and we are appreciative to FAM and all relevant stakeholders for making this cup a real success.”