KB and Moyale move forward
Kelvin Malikebu’s 75th minute goal earned Kamuzu Barracks a quarter-final slot against Moyale Barracks in the Standard Bank Knockout Trophy.
KB beat Mafco 1-0 at Civo Stadium while Moyale saw off Epac FC 3-1 at Mzuzu Stadium.
The match at Civo Stadium was physical and temperamental, a complete departure to discipline associated with soldiers. It resulted in KB midfielder Kelvin Hanganda being stretched off in the sixth minute. He was replaced by Joel Chipofya.
“That was not football but war. It was disappointing. We failed to play our game. Even the language used by our colleagues was not civilised. This was beyond football,” complained Mafco coach Stereo Gondwe.
KB coach Billy Phambala said they played a physical game to match Mafco style.
In the Mzuzu encounter, there were elements of violence as Epac FC players attacked referee Mabvuto Msimuko, accusing him of bias.
Moyale, who started by dominating ball possession, drew first blood two minutes into the game through Gastin Simkonda’s flying header; beating Epac goalkeeper Onani Nsengwa.
Epac’s Jafalie Chande equalised in the 26th minute after beating goalie Mcdonald Harawa.
Simkonda claimed his second goal in the 44th minute, again with a header, to make it 2-1. Gastin’s brother, Robert scored the third goal in the 58th minute.
While Moyale Barracks celebrated their victory, some Epac players grabbed Msimuko by the neck and beat him.
“I am saddened by the way Msimuko and others have officiated our game,” said Epac FC coach Abbas Makawa whereas his counterpart, Nicholas Mhango, defended Msimuko, saying he was professional.
