Surestream revel in Carlsberg Cup exploits
Surestream Academy technical director Peter Mponda gloated about his side’s exploits in the K30 million Carlsberg Cup, saying they bowed out with their heads held high.
The Southern Region Football League (SRFL) Division One champions quest to qualify for the national phase, fell through at the last hurdle when they went down 4-3 on post-match penalties after settling for a goalless draw in regulation time.
Mponda said while he was disappointed by his team’s exit: “The boys put up a gallant fight and with an ounce of luck, we could have progressed to the national phase.
“Our goal was not to win the cup, but at least try to reach the national stage as part of our learning process as we look forward to the new challenge in the Premier Division.”
Surestream Academy thrilled the fans with their sweet passing game against 10-man Bvumbwe Research on Saturday, but the currency of football is about scoring goals and that is where they lost the plot.
Bvumbwe were dealt a blow when Peter Mpulula was shown the red card after picking up two yellow cards, but they held on to their nerves.
Bvumbwe team manager Richard Lister said: “It was a very tough game and we anticipated that. Being reduced to 10-men even piled more pressure, but we are happy that we made it to the national phase.”
Bvumbwe have joined Zomba United and Ndirande Icons. Central Region has Support Battalion, Kasungu Medicals and Dedza Young Soccer. In the North, Mzuzu City Rangers, Mzuzu United and Chilumba Barracks made it to the national phase.
