There are David versus Goliath contests in the Castel Challenge Cup Round of 16 as minnows itch to cause upsets this afternoon.
Heralding today’s fixtures will be second-tier league side Ndirande Stars who host the tournament’s first winners FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
victory. | Courtesy of Bullets
Fresh from booting out NBS Bank National Division League champions Red Lions 5-3 on post-match penalties, Ndirande have said they are determined to boot out Bullets and progress to the quarter-finals.
Ndirande Stars team manager Kuruwa Ngwira, a former Bullets midfielder, said they are prepared for the match.
He said: “We are not going there just to fulfill the fixture, we will take them head on and we are confident of beating them. They shouldn’t expect an easy game. We are not afraid of them at all.”
Ngwira also said it will be payback time, having lost to Bullets 3-0 in the FDH Bank Cup in 2023.
On the other hand, Bullets interim coach Gilbert Chirwa said they expect a tough match.
“Such games are always tricky because small teams come out strongly to prove a point and make a name. So, we know what to expect, but we are ready,” he said.
To qualify for the Round of 16, Bullets beat Karonga-based relegated Super League side Songwe Border United 3-0.
Bullets will be without three key players namely, Chikumbutso Salima, Peter Banda and Blessings Mpokera, who are nursing injuries.
Another top-flight league side Blue Eagles will be away to third-tier league side Airborne Rangers at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.
The Malawi Police Service outfit’s coach Dekletk Msakakuona said they expect a tough match.
“Cup games are never easy because you don’t get a second chance. Airborne are a good side and we know what to expect from them,” he said.
In another match, another third-tier league side Shire Wimbe takes on top-flight league side Ekhaya FC at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.
And in an all top-flight affair, Mighty Tigers host Civil Service United at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
Meanwhile, Silver Strikers progressed to the Round of 16 after seeing off Namitete Zitha 5-0 at Aubrey Simba Stadium in Mchinji on Thursday.
Charles Chipala and Chinsisi Maonga claimed a brace each while Festus Duwe scored the other goal for the Bankers.
