Civo, Blantyre United kicked out of Carlsberg Cup

Civo United coach Oscar Kaunda had predicted in a pre-match interview that the Carlsberg Cup round of 16 qualifying match against Airborne Rangers, was tipped in his side’s favour courtesy of their status and experience, but sadly, it was not to be.

The sky fell on the Civo mentor on Friday when Airborne showed characteristic grit to come from behind and edge his team 2-1 at Chitowe in Dwangwa.

The Civil Servants took the lead in the 33rd minute through Nelson Kangunje, but the determined soldiers equalised from the penalty spot in bizarre circumstances just before half time.

The initial penalty kick by Dingiswayo Banda was saved by Civo goalkeeper, but Ben Mdechi pounced on the resultant rebound to claim the equaliser and relief was the prevalent emotion in the Airborne camp.

And just when many thought the game would be decided by the dreaded shoot-out, Sam Banda snatched the winner for Airborne that stunned Civo.

Airborne’s spokesperson Lieutenant Chance Nyembezi described it as a tough encounter.

“We struggled in the early stages, but we picked ourselves up as the game progressed. We are happy that we have sailed through to the round of 16,” said Nyembezi yesterday.

And in a match played in chilly conditions at Zomba Community Centre Ground the same afternoon, Zomba United also made good use of home ground advantage to boot out Blantyre United 4-3 on post-match penalties.

So, already two Super League teams are out of contention for the K9 million ultimate prize.

Another Super League outfit Epac survived Kasungu Medicals’ scare when they won 5-3 in post-match penalties after tying 1-all in regulation time.

Airborne will face defending champions Kamuzu Barracks (KB) while Epac will meet Red Lions.