Lower league teams make FDH Bank Cup statement
Four second-tier league teams have so far qualified for the FDH Bank Cup quarter-finals following their success during round of 16 encounters, an improvement from two in the inaugural edition last year.
Half of the cup’s quarter-finalists are lower league teams.
Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves, Changalume Barracks, Chitipa United and Extreme FC have so far made the grade alongside TNM Super league side Kamuzu Barracks, who beat fellow elite league team Civil Service United 1-0 at Nankhaka ground in Lilongwe courtesy of Matias Nyirenda’s 33rd minute strike.
The three remaining last-eight slots will be filled by elite league teams this Sunday as Bullets main team hosts Moyale Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers entertain hosts Salima Sugar Dedza Dynamos while Ekwendeni Hammers face Blue Eagles in round of 16 encounters.
Last year, Rumphi United and Dedza Young Soccer were the only second-tier league teams in the quarter-finals.
On Sunday, Bullets Reserves booted out Red Lions with a 1-0 win at Balaka Stadium through Chikumbutso Salima’s 66th minute spot-kick. The result came a few days after the Enos Chatama-coached sided knocked out another Super League team Mighty Wakawaka Tigers in the round of 32.
Chatama said they were grateful to God that despite losing at least 14 players to TNM Super League teams last season, his team continues to perform well while undergoing rebuilding process.
“After losing 14 players last season, we did not expect to continue doing well. It is a great honour to reach this far in this competition and we thank God for the blessings. However, we are not under pressure to win the cup but give our young players exposure and experience,” he said.
On Saturday, Changalume Barracks did not feel out of place when they booted out their hosts and elite leaguers Karonga United 2-1 through Davie Major’s brace before Mphatso Kamanga pulled one back.
Mchinji-based Extreme FC reached the quarter-finals following a 1-0 triumph over fellow second-tier league side Kadona Stars of Nkhata-Bay. A lone 26th-minute strike by Beston Jimu was enough to help Extreme progress.
Chitipa United, who are back in the lower league after facing relegation last season, eliminated hosts Kawinga FC of Lilongwe via a 3-2 post-match penalties victory after regulation time ended one-all.
