Eagles’ trio doubtful for Fisd semi-final

Blue Eagles trio of Vitumbiko Kumwenda, Schumacher Kuwali and Maxwell Salambula are doubtful for tomorrow’s Fisd Challenge Cup semi-final clash against Silver Strikers as they are nursing injuries.

The two Lilongwe giants face off in a capital city derby at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

Confirming the injuries, Eagles assistant coach Wilson Chidati said midfielders Kumwenda and Salambula have ankle and groin injuries respectively while striker Kuwali has a cut on the left eye.

“They are currently doing light training and they will undergo final assessment on Friday,” he said.

Chidati sounded optimistic that Kuwali and Salambula could make the semi-final but ruled out Kumwenda.

In the meantime, the Eagles assistant coach dismissed suggestions they would struggle without the trio pointing out that “we have enough backup.”

On their part, Silver are going into the match without any injuries or suspensions, according to the club’s team manager Itaye Nundwe.

The battle for the other final slot will conclude on Sunday when lower leaguers Hangover United hosts Kamuzu Barracks at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.

Hangover are the surprise package in the 2019 Fisd Challenge Cup, having knocked out Super League giants and defending champions Be Forward Wanderers in the quarter-finals.

To make it to the quarter-finals they also booted out a Super League outfit Mighty Tigers in the round of 16.

Hangover coach McDonald Yobe said they do not take it for granted that they have come this far by beating top flight league sides.

“That is in the past. We will go into the semi-finals as if that never happened,” he said. n