The Carlsberg Cup national phase kicks off today with six matches lined up in all the three regions.

After two back-to-back losses in the Super League, Be Forward Wanderers are hoping to turn the corner when they host Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) league side Max Bullets in a Carlsberg Cup match at Kalulu Stadium in Nchalo.

Wanderers team manager Stevie Madeira yesterday said they have recovered from the losses to Big Bullets and Silver Strikers.

“It is always painful to lose the Blantyre derby, but we have to pick ourselves up and move on. We have worked on the psychological aspect of the players and they appear to have recovered,” said Madeira.

Max Bullets coach Aubrey Nankhuni warned the Nomads not to expect a stroll in the park.

Meanwhile, Silver Strikers Reserves who play in the Chipiku Central Region Football Association (CRFA) league, have said they are ready to cause an upset against Super League side Epac this afternoon at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.

Silver Reserves coach Kingsley Saizi said it will be folly for Epac to underestimate his team.

“The fact that we have reached the national stage is enough motivation for the boys to progress further in the tournament. It will be folly for Epac to underrate our capabilities. We have self-belief now,” said Saizi during a training session on Tuesday.

However, Epac are not moved by the minnows’ tough talk.

“I don’t know where they are getting this confidence from, but they cannot stand the heat. If we were able to beat their seniors, what resistance can they offer,” challenged Epac stand in coach Abbas Makawa.

In other matches scheduled for this afternoon, Support Battalion host Mzuni at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe (noon), Dedza Young Soccer Stars engage Karonga United in Dedza, Changalume will take on Kamuzu Barracks in an all-soldiers affair in Zomba while Airborne Rangers will face Ndirande Icons at Civo Stadium.