Eight Super League teams seeded in Carlsberg Cup
Eight TNM Super League outfits that were seeded for the preliminary round of the 2015 Carlsberg Cup have avoided each other as they begin battle for slots in the round of 16.
During the national draw of knockout competition at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre yesterday, Mighty Be Forward Wanderers, Dedza Young Soccer Stars, Airborne Rangers, Mzuni FC, Kamuzu Barracks, Wizards FC and EPAC FC have been paired against lower league teams Max Bullets, Karonga United, Ndirande Icons, Support Battalion, Changalume Barracks, Chilumba Barracks and Silver Reserves respectively, as the preliminary stage kicks off on June 30.
A game between Lilongwe-based OP FC and Master Security is the only encounter involving lower league sides in this stage.
However, this should not give the elite league outfits room for laxity because history shows that lower league teams can pull incredible surprises to make strides up to the finals.
Last year, Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) League side Zomba United defied the odds by beating top leaguers Epac FC and Blue Eagles before losing to Big Bullets in the finals.
“Just like Zomba did last year, we expect to see lower league teams reaching as far as the finals and probably win the title,” said Carlsberg senior brands manager Twikale Chirwa, who conducted the draw along with FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda.
According to FAM competitions officer Gomezgani Zakazaka, winners of the preliminary round will qualify for the round of 16 to battle for the quarterfinals against seeded outfits Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Mafco, Blue Eagles, Red Lions, Azam Tigers, Moyale Barracks and Civo United between July 16 and 2.
The quarter-finals will be played between August 2 and 3 while the semifinals will be conducted between August 14 and 15. The finals are expected on August 29. n
