Blue Eagles in FDHBank final
Central Region Chipuku Stores outfit Blue Eagles yesterday winged into the FDH Bank Cup final after a 2-0 victory over Karonga United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Malawi Police Service team, which was relegated to the lower league last season, proved that it was still a force to reckon with as they dispatched the TNM Super League outfit.
Eagles took the lead in the 59th minute from an own goal after Sinto Chipole deflected former Flames midfielder Micium Mhone’s header.
Mhone then netted the second goal two minutes later from the spot after Eagles were awarded a penalty following a foul on the midfielder in the area.
Karonga put up a fierce fight in the first-half, diffusing Eagles incursions on several occasions, but it was never to be.
Ellie Kayombo, Nuswe Mwalilino, Allen Chihana and Casto Kayuni were good in the midfield in the first-half, matching the experienced quartet of Mhone, Paul Master, Gilbert Chirwa and Laurent Banda.
But experience paid off for Eagles in the second-half.
Mhone nearly made it 3-0 in the 63th minute with a sole run that saw him weave through three defenders, but his final effort betrayed him.
Karonga never gave up and upped their game, seeking to level the scores.
In the 65th minute, they nearly pulled one back when Pilirani Thulu played a good ball to an advancing and unmarked Kayuni.
But Kayuni was jittery and could not pick up his spot and the chance went begging.
Eagles defended well in the later stages of the game, foiling any offensive from Karonga United.
Eagles coach Elia Kananji in post-match interviews praised for his players.
“It was good teamwork. I told the boys prior to the match that because we are in the lower league it should not be an issue to feel inferior. Now our focus will be on preparing well for the final,” he said.
Karonga United coach Oscar Kaunda admitted playing second fiddle, but also complained about the officiation.
“Though we did not play well, I feel the officiation was biased. But I am proud of my players. To reach the semi-finals is not a joke,” he said.
The Area 30 cops will meet either FCB Nyasa Big Bullets or Moyale Barracks.
The two sides clash in the other semi-final on August 21 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
