…..Eagles 4-0 Santhe
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a stellar performance, Blue Eagles Reserve FC netted four goals against Chipiku Premier Division league outfit Santhe ADMARC FC at Nankhaka Stadium, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Nyasa Capital Finance Cup on Thursday.
The scoring spectacle began with Precious Segula’s fantastic free kick in the 11th minute, beautifully delivered by Witness Ganizani in Santhe ADMARC’s half.
Blue Eagles dominated the game across the board, leaving Santhe ADMARC players visibly frustrated. The first half concluded with the Eagles in the lead, holding onto a 1-0 advantage.
The young Eagles continued their impressive play into the second half, maintaining a strong hold on the game while keeping Santhe players chasing shadows.
Santhe’s coach, McDonald Matanje, was compelled to make changes, introducing the prolific Mavuto Gondwe to bolster the attack.
Gondwe, along with Mashon and Chikumbutso Sabilika, had chances to put Santhe on the scoreboard but were unable to capitalize.
Moses Mtago extended the Eagles’ lead with a beautiful header from a corner kick by Witness Ganizani in the 76th minute.
Umar Mustapha further secured the Eagles’ position with the third goal in the 81st minute.
Mustapha then added another goal in the 88th minute, completing his brace and ensuring the game was well beyond Santhe’s reach.
The Eagles’ assistant coach, Stevie Mbulaje, praised his team for the impressive victory that marked the club’s first-ever entry into the quarterfinals.
“It was a fantastic game. Our boys executed the game plan to perfection. We knew we were facing a Premier Division side with experienced players, but our approach paid off. We pressed them hard and showed a better pace compared to Santhe, who had older players. We will be ready for any team in the quarterfinals,” says Mbulaje.
McDonald Matanje, the coach of Santhe ADMARC FC, acknowledged the defeat, attributing it to the Eagles’ superior performance.
He expressed the need for Santhe to begin preparing for the forthcoming football season since they are now out of all competitions.
Blue Eagles Reserve FC is now set to face the winner between Chisomo Academy FC and Namitete Zitha FC, who will meet on November 1, 2023.
Other teams that secured their places in the quarterfinals of the Nyasa Capital Finance Cup on Thursday, October 26, 2023, include Wimbe United FC, Kamuzu Barracks RSV FC, and Mbabzi United FC, who advanced via penalties.
These quarterfinal-bound teams have displayed remarkable dedication and talent, and we look forward to more thrilling action as the competition progresses.
With 48 goals scored in 20 games during the round of 32 and round of 16, the central region Nyasa Capital Finance Cup has certainly provided fans with a wealth of exciting football moments.
