Red Lions, Mafco, Silver Strikers and Azam Tigers on Wednesday qualified for the semi-finals of the K60 million Presidential Cup showpiece after seeing off Mighty Wanderers (4-3), Moyale Barracks (4-1), Kabwafu FC (3-0) and Mzuzu United (2-1) respectively.
Wanderers’ fate was decided by penalties after the game ended 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Zomba soldiers turned the pitch into a theatre of celebrations joined by ganyu fans.
The sky fell in the blue side of town when Benard Harawa’s last spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Lions’ goaltender Bernard Ngwenyama and up stepped Kumbukani Mwambeni to provide the final flourish by scoring past Richard Chipuwa—it was game over!
Reds converted four of their five penalties through Edwin Ng’oma, Chikondi Sanudi, Innocent Mulima and Kumbukani Mwambeni while Benjamin Kalua’s spot-kick was saved by Chipuwa.
Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Victor Mpinganjira and Kondwani Lufeyo scored their spot kicks for the Nomads while Francis Mulimbika and Harawa had theirs saved.
Wanderers coach Stuart Mbolembole admitted that his charges lost the plot terribly in the second-half.
“We were disorganised in midfield and there was no coordination. Having said that, penalties can go either way,” said Mbolembole.
On the other hand, Lions acting head coach Mike Kumanga was on cloud nine: “We started on a slow note, but after the half time pep talk, the boys picked up and no wonder we got the equaliser.”
New signing Chawanagwa Kaonga was again the chief tormentor for Silver with goals in each half while winger Green Harawa netted the third to give the Bankers a deserved victory.
Despite the huge margin, it took 36 minutes for Silver to create a real chance, which Kaonga utilised
Kaonga, whose goal last Sunday led to the dispatch from the competition of cup holders Big Bullets, was aggressive from the first whistle, but his efforts were denied by Kabwafu’s impressive goalkeeper Chenga Sikwewa.
In the 36th minute, Kaonga let go an angled shot that went way beyond Sikwewa’s stretched arms. The goal did not in any way deter Kabwafu from playing their passing game, but unfortunately they were blunt in attack.
The Mzimba-based side entered the second half with more determination.
But all the hopes were shattered in the 60th minute when Sikwewa, operating under pressure in trying to clear the ball, it rebounded on Kaonga and bounced back into the goal.
The controversial goal deflated Kabwafu and they never recovered.
Harawa added the third in the 66th minute. Chesting down a pass from Ndaziona Chatsalira, he coolly picked his spot past Sikwewa.
“I thank God that we are playing well and scoring goals. It was great win, but the play was different from the performance we gave against Bullets. Playing three games in five days is not easy on players,” said coach Franco Ndawa.
Kabwafu coach Oscar Kaunda expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.
Semi-final fixtures slated for Saturday are as follows: Red Lions vs Silver Strikers @ Dedza and Azam Tigers vs Mafco @ Kamuzu Stadium.
