……Kawinga 1(2)-1(4) Namitete Zitha FC
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Mission accomplished! The fate of Kawinga FC and Namitete Zitha FC in the Castel Ibongetse Challenge Cup at Nankhaka Stadium was determined by a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The visiting team, Namitete Zitha FC, which is gaining a reputation as a cup specialists in the Central region, started the match strongly.
Their efforts paid off when they scored an early goal in the 7th minute through Mathews Hamuza after a defensive error by Kawinga FC.
The home team quickly responded in the 17th minute with substitute Anord Kiyama sending a powerful shot into Zitha’s goal, which was deflected into the net by Moffat Limunga. The first half ended 1-1.
Zitha FC might have regretted not capitalizing on their first-half dominance, despite creating numerous chances, as Kawinga FC emerged in the second half, pressing hard but lacking composure in the final third.
Namitete Zitha FC missed several opportunities through Lawrence Chilanga, Thomas Manyowa, Mathews Thindwa, and Maxwell Mangwere, while Gift Kadawati, Harvey Nasiyaya, and Chisomo Hiwa missed for the Area 36-based side.
After the final whistle, the match was decided by penalties, with Zitha FC winning 4-2 as Jafalie M’pelela, Maxwell Mangwere, Moffat Limunga, and Mathews Hamuza successfully converted their kicks, while Posiano Samu had his kick saved by goalkeeper Andrew Bisika.
Imran Awali and Jauma Edward converted spot kicks for Kawinga FC, while Thoko Phiri had his kick saved by Limunga before Harvey Nasiyaya hit the crossbar.
Namitete Zitha FC secured a place in the national phase, continuing their dominance over Kawinga in cup games, having also defeated them 4-1 on aggregate in the 2022 Nyasa Capital Finance Cup.
After the match, Kawinga FC’s coach, Harry Saidi, acknowledged the defeat, attributing it to his team’s failure to convert the chances they created in the second half. He stated, “We knew they would come at us hard, as we’ve been performing well in the league. Our focus now will shift to the league and the upcoming Nyasa Capital Finance Cup.”
Namitete Zitha’s Head Coach, Martin Mkangama, praised his team for their hard-fought victory but admitted they missed opportunities to secure the game in the first half. He said, “We have the quality to handle teams like Kawinga, which is why we often defeat them in cup games. We’ll regroup and prepare for the national phase.”
Meanwhile, at Champion Stadium, Ngolowindo FC suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Silver Strikers Reserve FC in another thrilling match. The young Bankers scored through Madalitso Maso and Imran Kaukau in the 2nd and 10th minutes of the first half, dominating Ngolowindo.
Ngolowindo showed some fight in the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net. Despite the win, Silver Strikers RSV FC’s journey in the cup has also come to an end, as they cannot participate in the national phase, in accordance with the new rules and regulations of the Football Association of Malawi.
Namitete Zitha FC has now joined Kadona FC, Ekwendeni United FC, Luviri FC, Raiply, and Iponga, who have already qualified for the national phase from the northern region.
