……Kamuzu Barracks FC 1-3 Blue Eagles
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Eagles soared triumphantly from Mbalangwe Hills on Thursday, November 30, 2023, securing a spot in the prestigious Castel Challenge Cup quarterfinals with a commanding 3-1 victory over Kamuzu Barracks FC at Civo Stadium in the capital city, Lilongwe.
Coming off a 3-2 defeat against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the Airtel Top 8 semifinals, The cops displayed superior composure and organization from the outset of the encounter.
Under the guidance of Coach Eliah Kananji, only one change was made from the starting eleven against Bullets, with Christopher Gototo replacing Tonic Viyuyi in the assault line.
The defensive lineup featured Chakonda Majanga in goal, in the presence of veteran goalkeeper John Soko, Jacob Robert, and Ganizani James partnered as center-backs, while McDonald Lameck and Maxwell Gustavo operated as left and right backs respectively.
Prolific midfielder Gilbert Chirwa and defending midfielder Paul Master controlled the engine room, with Richard Rapson and Laurent Banda commanding the flanks. Kananji introduced Micium Mhone and Christopher Gototo in the attacking front.
Despite an early goal attempt from Kamuzu Barracks through Redson Nkhoma and Olson Kanjira, Chakonda Majanga stood firm in the Eagles’ goal, thwarting the danger.
The Soldiers continued to press, with Gregory Nachipo’s attempts lacking composure and precision.
Responding to missed opportunities by Kamuzu Barracks, Blue Eagles secured a 26th-minute lead from a Ganizani James free kick, which found McDonald Lameck delivering a stunning cross to Richard Rapson, who buried it past Hastings Banda.
Rapson nearly doubled the lead with a powerful run but missed the target, followed by Gototo’s header sailing over the bar.
Before halftime, Kamuzu Barracks made a substitution, replacing Redson Nkhoma with Christopher Mtambo, and the referee signaled for the break.
The second half saw both teams making tactical changes, with Sherrif Maulana and Tonic Viyuyi entering the field for Eagles and Kamuzu Barracks respectively. Additionally, Wonder Jereman replaced Jacob Robert in defense due to injury concerns.
Kamuzu Barracks started the second half aggressively, seeking an equalizer, but despite Nachipo’s thunderous shots, they failed to find the net.
Former Eagles midfielder Gregory Nachipo came close in the 56th minute, but Majanga denied him in a one-on-one situation. Gototo had a chance in the 60th minute but missed after rounding goalkeeper Hastings Banda.
Eagles extended their lead in the 64th minute from a corner kick, with Richard Rapson’s delivery finding Laurent Banda, whose powerful shot made it 2-0.
In the 66th minute, Eagles conceded a free kick outside the box, but their defense held strong. Maxwell Gustavo received a yellow card for delaying the restart.
Kamuzu Barracks sought goals, making a substitution in the 77th minute, but Gototo missed another opportunity. However, he redeemed himself in the 83rd minute, capitalizing on Hastings Banda’s error to score.
As the match seemed destined to end 3-0, Kamuzu Barracks secured a penalty in the 90+2nd minute, scored by Zinjani Yona after replacing Sam Gunda.
In the closing moments, Eagles introduced Jeffrey Maluwa, Trouble Banda, and Lanken Mwale, securing their place in the quarterfinals against Silver Strikers.
Head Coach Eliah Kananji expressed his delight, commending his team for executing the game plan effectively.
“We prepared well for Kamuzu Barracks after previous defeats. We wanted to make a statement after our Airtel Top 8 disappointment and show our strength in the Castel Cup,” said Kananji.
Kamuzu Barracks assistant coach Ted Kalinda acknowledged Eagles’ superior performance, admitting they deserved the win.
Blue Eagles now join Chitipa United, Moyale Barracks, Ekwendeni Hammers, Silver Strikers, and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the quarterfinals.
The Policemen will face Silver Strikers in their upcoming quarterfinal clash.