Mighty Wanderers are through to the FDH Bank Cup Round of 16 after a convincing 3-1 victory over Mafco at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
After a goalless first half, the Nomads struck three times in the second through Isaac Kaliyati, Blessings Singini and captain Felix Zulu while China Chirwa netted Mafco’s consolation.
The opening half was balanced, with both sides creating half chances that came to nothing.
But after the break, Wanderers raised their tempo and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Kaliyati tapped in from close range past Christopher Mikuwa.
Eight minutes later, Singini extended the lead, finishing from a Wisdom Mpinganjira assist.
Mafco reduced the deficit in the 87th minute through Chirwa, but two minutes later, Zulu restored the Nomads’ two-goal cushion, latching onto another Mpinganjira through ball to seal Wanderers’ place in the last 16.
In a post-match interview, Wanderer s head coach Bob Mpinganjira hailed his charges for their second-half display.
“It was a very good game, especially in the second-half.
We scored three goals, which is good for us. First half, we were not ourselves. We didn’t play the usual game that we play.
“Of course, we created some chances, but we didn’t score. After half-time, when we went for a break, we talked to the players and we saw some changes in the second-half.
“We started playing our game, we started creating chances and that paid off. We scored three goals and we are through to the next round,” he said.
But Mpinganjira said the win is only the beginning as they chase their first-ever FDH Bank Cup title.
“It will be difficult because I believe all the teams want to win, but to our side, we want it most since we have never won it.
“So, we really want it this time around. We will work very hard so that we get there,” he said.
Mafco coach Stereo Gondwe admitted the two quick goals unsettled his plans, but insisted they will now focus on the league.
He said: “We are going to concentrate on the TNM Super League.
We cannot lose hope because we know there are games coming and we are going to concentrate on those games.”
Elsewhere, Chatoloma FC produced the shock of the round, dumping out Super League side Karonga United 5-3 on penalties at Karonga Stadium.
Civil Service United also relied on spot-kicks to edge Chitipa United 3-0, while Moyale Barracks fought from behind to defeat Ekhaya FC 2-1
