Bullets set up derby
It rained 10 goals in the K320 million Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup quarter-finals yesterday as FCB Nyasa Bullets and Silver Strikers booked semi-final slots.
The People’s Team thrashed Ekwendeni Hammers of Mzimba 4-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre while Silver sailed through after a 4-2 triumph over Blue Eagles at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The results mean Bullets will face their traditional rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the last-four clash whereas Silver will be up against Bangwe All Stars of Blantyre.
At Kamuzu Stadium, it was a one-sided affair as Bullets dominated play from the first whistle.
A brace from Hassan Kajoke and a goal each from Patrick Mwaungulu and captain Precious Sambani ensured that the People’s Team kept alive their quadruple hopes this season.
It was probably one of the easiest matches for Bullets so far this season as they won without breaking sweat.
By the end of the first-half, the hosts led 3-0 with Kajoke scoring the first goal as early as 11th minute.
A short corner from Mwaungulu led to Ernest Petro’s fine delivery into the box which was headed home by Kajoke.
Mwaungulu, who was named man-of-the-match, then doubled Bullets’ lead six minutes later after being put through by Yankho Singo.
Kajoke claimed a brace and Bullets’ third in the 40th minute, capitalising on a defensive error by Chisomo Sambani.
With 12 minutes to full time, Sambani added his name on the score sheet with a left-foot shot after receiving a pass from Mwaungulu and it was game over for the Hammers.
Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa hailed his charges for fighting their lungs out, but had no kind words for the referee accusing him of being “soft” on Ekwendeni players whom he said were too physical.
Commenting on the upcoming Blantyre derby, the Zimbabwean tactician said: “Wanderers are a good side, they have been playing very well. But we are prepared for them and we’ll see when we meet them.”
On his part, Hammers coach Elias Chirambo said: “We accept defeat. Our only worry is that Bullets scored their first goal from an offside position and that demoralised my players.”
In Lilongwe, Silver came from a goal down to register a comfortable victory against the Malawi Police Service side.
Eagles drew first blood in the eighth minute through Jacob Robert before Maxwell Paipi equalised for Silver. Emmanuel Kaonga made it 2-1 for Silver in the 29th minute before McDonald Lameck restored parity for Eagles in the 36th minute for the first half to end two-all.
However, Innocent Shema made it 3-2 also from the penalty spot after Eagles defender Ganizani James handled the ball in the box before Patrick Macheso hammered the last nail on Eagles coffin with a 66th minute strike.
