Silver Strikers will be out to settle the scores when they face third-tier side FC Shire this afternoon in the FDH Bank Cup round of 16 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Central Bankers still have bitter memories of how the Chipiku Stores Central Region Football Association Premier Division side, then known as FC Panthers, sent them packing from the Castel Challenge Cup 4-3 through post-match penalties last year.
The Lilongwe-based minnows also booted out Civil Service United, Mafco and Chitipa United before losing to Mighty Wanderers 3-0 in the semi-final.
In a pre-match interview with Silver media team, coach Peter ‘Shoes’ Mgangira said they will approach the game with a lot of caution.
He said: “It’s the same team that booted us out [of the Castel Cup] last year, so we cannot afford to relax, we know what to expect. Besides, cup games are tricky and the so-called small teams can be unpredictable.
“Otherwise, the boys are fresh after resting [during the international break] and they look hungry. They know the importance of this match.”
In another round of 16 matches, Mighty Wanderers face Mzuzu City Hammers at Rumphi Stadium in another tricky fixture.
The last time the two teams met, the Nomads won 1-0 in a TNM Super League match through a late penalty which Hammers’ coach Elias Chirambo described as dubious and was left fuming after the final whistle.
Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira said despite his team’s tight schedule, they are ready for the game.
“It is going to be tough, no doubt about that, but we will work hard to get a result and sail through,” he said.
On his part, Chirambo said: “It’s a cup game and there is a lot at stake. We are prepared for the match and we will fight for a win.”
