.….Silver 1-0 Kawinga
.…..Mchinji Boma 2-4 Namitete
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The MK23 million Nyasa Capital Finance Cup in the Central Region reached its climax on Sunday 19th November 2023 as four teams battled for the finale slot.
At Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe, Silver Strikers Reserve FC defeated Kawinga FC 1-0 courtesy of Ishmael Hassan’s goal in the 53rd minute who capitalized on Kawinga goalkeeper Ian Kabango’s blunder after he failed to clear the ball from his territory following a free kick by Kawukawu Imran which initially hit the post.
The two played to a barren first half in a highly contested encounter characterized by a physical approach.
The area 36-based outfit Kawinga FC searched for goals through Harvey Nasiyaya, Imran Awali and Lazarus Chirwa but their efforts ended in vain. The closest was Chisomo Hiwa’s chance which was denied by the post.
Kawinga FC failed to utilize the chance that their counterparts were reduced to ten men after Moses Nyirenda was booked for uttering indecent words against the referee. However, McDonald Yobe’s boys clung to their slender lead.
Before the end of the match, Kawinga FC defender Edward Jauma was also red-carded for a second bookable offense and soon the match ended.
Reacting to the win Silver Strikers Reserve head coach McDonald Yobe said they didn’t play according to the plan attributing to the pressure mounting on his boys as it was a semi-final encounter.
“The good part is that we have won after playing 10 for so long into the game. We just need to prepare them both mentally and physically ahead of the final. Following that red card, I introduced a defender for a striker to close the spaces and we got a free kick which resulted in a goal”, Yobe said.
His counterpart Kawinga head coach Harry Saidi acknowledged the defeat saying luck wasn’t to their side as they created chances but failed to convert them into goals.
“It was a difficult game as they came flat out to revenge the defeat they suffered in the league. Indeed they were reduced to ten men but that encouraged them to work hard as they closed us from penetrating their half freely. As Kawinga we will return and focus on the league as we have another crucial game on Wednesday “, said Saidi.
In Mchinji at Aubrey Dimba ground, the defending champions Namitete Zitha FC came from behind to defeat Mchinji Boma Strikers FC 4-2 to book their place into the final.
Mathews Hamuza netted a brace for the Namitete-based Jackals with other goals courtesy of Thomas Majola and Symon Chimenya.
The host scored through Andrew Chisi and Blessings Nkhata.
Silver Strikers Reserve FC have qualified for the final for the second time since the cup started in 2021. In its inaugural year, the Young Bankers won the title after defeating rivals Kamuzu Barracks Reserve FC 6-2 at Silver Stadium.
However, in the 2022 edition, Silver failed to defend the title as they were eliminated in the early stages by Division One side Zaithwa FC through spot kicks 4-3 following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Namitete Zitha FC won the 2022 title after emerging overall winner in the four-team table, their last game was against Extreme FC.
Thus far, 78 goals have been registered in the 2023 edition from 29 games.
Mathews Hamuza and Umar Mustapha of Namitete Zitha FC and Blue Eagles Reserve FC respectively have scored 5 goals followed by Silver’ Ebenezer Mpangeni who had four and missed Sunday’s clash due to an injury he sustained during the warm-ups.
Hamuza and Mpangeni have chances to win the Golden Boot as their teams are having a game to wrap up the cup.
The third edition of the cup was launched on 15th October 2023 and is expected to conclude before the end of November.
Nyasa Capital Finance whose current Superleague of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya was once chairman, is sponsoring the cup in the three regions to the tune of MK70 million.