Mzuzu City Hammers and Panthers FC have said Blantyre-based giants FCB Nyasa Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ home ground advantage in the Castel Challenge Cup semi-finals, created an unlevel playing field.
The two sides have since appealed to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to consider fixing semi-final matches at neutral venues in future.
Mzuzu-based Hammers booted out their hosts FCB Nyasa Bullets 4-1 in post-match penalties at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Tuesday while Lilongwe-based second-tier league side Panthers lost 3-0 to the Nomads at the same venue on Sunday.
for thought | Nation
In an interview yesterday, Hammers patron Gift Mkandawire said it was like the organisers were smoothening the path for the giants to have a Blantyre derby in the final.
He said: “It would help if the organisers considered having games from the semi-final stage played at neautral venues to ensure a level playing field.”
Mkandawire also acknowledged that the semi-final venues were in line with the rules and regulations of the competition.
“We know that, but it should be food for thought. Rules were made by man and can be ratified,” said.
On his part, Panthers team manager Andy Chiphwanya said: “The atmosphere [when we played Wanderers] was so intimidating for our boys. There were incidents where supporters charged at our players in the tunnel in full view of the police and they were all over the dressing room area.
“The environment was simply not conducive and it affected our boys psychologically. So, in our view, we feel FAM should seriously consider fixing such matches at neutral venues.”
FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka declined to comment on the concerns.
