Cwed stun Seed in Copa Coca-Cola final

Central West Education Division’s (Cwed) fine form in the K7 million (about $17 500) Copa Coca-Cola Cup continued on Sunday at Mzuzu Stadium when they beat South East Education Division (Seed) 4-2 on post-match penalties.

Regulation time failed to produce a winner as the two teams settled for a barren draw.

Beston Jimu, Precious Zalimba, Mayeso Chitedze and Dalitso Chindamba gave the team a comfortable victory when they converted their spot-kicks.

Seed scored through their captain Roy Bokosi and Amidu Magwira while Vanancio Malunga and goalkeeper Jeremiah Nkhwinda shot off target.

“I am grateful to God that we retained the title. This shows we are the best division in the country and teams should scout for players from us,” Cwed coach Innocent Kandulu said.

Seed coach Harrison Chiunda said his players lost confidence when Malunga and Nkhwinda failed to convert their spot kicks.

To reach the finals, Seed defeated South West Education Division (Swed) 1-0, whereas Cwed stunned NED 3-1.

NED then beat Swed 9-8 on post-match penalties to claim the third spot.

For their feat, Cwed carted home K400 000 (about $1 000), a trophy and a gold medal while Seed pocketed K250 000 (about $625) and a silver medal.

NED got K150 000 (about $375) and a bronze medal while fourth-placed Swed received K120 000 (about $300), fifth-positioned Central East Education Division (Ceed) went away K110 000 (about $275 000) richer.

Shire Highlands Education Division (Shed) got K80 000 (about $200) for being sixth. They also received a K30 000 (about $750) Fair Play Award.

NED’s Bright Munthali emerged the best goalkeeper and received a K15 000 (about $37) cash prize and a trophy.

The tournament’s Golden Boot awardees Cwed’s Juma Yatina and NED’s Mphatso Mlauzi shared K15 000.

Swed’s Mike Mkwati received K20 000 (about $50) for clinching the Player-of-the tournament award.

Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chihana congratulated Cwed for emerging champions.

He also applauded Copa-Coca-Cola for sponsoring the trophy for 45 years now.

Meanwhile, Carlsberg Malawi Group marketing manager Gwynyth Mchiela said her company will continue sponsoring the competition because it is satisfied with how Malawi Sports Association (Massa) and government manage the tournament’s funds.

Cwed first won the cup in 2008 and retained it in 2009 and 2010.