Mafco date Bullets in Airtel Top8 final
Mafco FC will face FCB Nyasa Bullets in the final of the K78 million Zamadolo Airtel Top 8 after booting out Silver Strikers 1-3 in post-match penalties at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
It will be the second time that the Salima-based Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side will face the People’s Team in the final this season as the two also met in the FDH Bank Cup final which Bullets won 3-0.
Tuesday’s match ended one-all draw in regulation time after Mafco’s Prince Kachere cancelled Patrick Macheso’s first half strike in the 79th minute just when the Central Bankers.
Macheso broke the deadlock in the 28 minute after being put set up by Chimwemwe Idana, who was named man-of-the-match.
The second stanza was even more entertaining with both teams attacking with rhythm and flair.
As time ticked on, the MDF side grabbed the equaliser through Kachere after being put through by Phillimon and it was game on.
In the second minute of added time, Silver had what would have been their winning goal from Emmanuel Kaunga disallowed for off-side.
Mafco converted three of their penalties through Peter Katsonga, captain Paul Ndhlovu and Aubrey Chafewa while Paul Phiri missed his spot-kick.
On the other hand, only Innocent Shema converted his penalty for the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored side.
Chisomo Mpachika and Mark Fodya missed their spot-kicks while captain Chikondi Kamanga’s effort was saved by Mafco goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa.
Silver assistant coach Peter Mgangira bemoaned missed chances.
“We created a number of chances, but we couldn’t utilise them, ,” he said.
On his part, Mafco coach Pritchard Mwansa was all smiles.
He said: “It was not an easy game, but we kept our heads up and the players put up a gallant fight.”
