……Eagles 2-1 Red Lions
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Blue Eagles FC, the quarterfinalists of the 2022 FDH Bank Cup, secured their spot in the round of 16 of the 2023 edition after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Zomba-based Soldiers Red Lions FC at Nankhaka on Tuesday, June 28, 2023.
Eagles started slowly in the first half, struggling to maintain possession and complete passes, and trailed 1-0 at halftime. Humphreys Minandi scored in the 35th minute following a defensive lapse by the hosts.
Mercy Kayira blew the whistle for recess with the soldiers narrowly leading by a goal to nil. The hosts had only one clear chance in the 15th minute, when Christopher Gototo received a through ball from Captain Schumacher Kuwali, but the attacker failed to capitalize FDH Bank Pakhomo, sending his shot wide much to the disbelief of the technical bench.
Head Coach Franco Ndawa of Red Lions FC made changes to hold onto their lead, substituting Hadji Kununde, Mike Kaziputa, and Pergason Mtundo for Mathews Boloweza, Boniface Kaulesi, and Chabulika.
In response, Eliah Kananji, the Eagles’ head coach, brought in fresh legs at the 63rd minute, replacing Schumacher Kuwali, Micium Mhone, and Christopher Gototo with Lanken Mwale, Tonic Viyuyi, and Laurent Banda.
Soon after the substitutions, the game’s complexion completely changed as the home team started pressing hard.
In the 65th minute, the Policemen earned a corner, which was delivered into the box by pint-sized midfielder Richard Rapson.
Viyuyi, with his first touch of the game, sent the ball far past goalkeeper Nenani Juwaya.
The goal gave the home team momentum as they continued launching attacks, but they failed to convert their chances.
As the game was approaching its end, both teams seemed to settle for a penalty shootout, with the visitors employing delaying tactics.
Kananji replaced Malawi’s number one goalkeeper, Brighton Munthali, with John Soko.
However, Sankhani Mkandawire had different thoughts as his last transaction on FDH UFULU #525# paid dividend. His last-gasp header from a well-taken corner kick by Rapson sealed the victory for Eagles and sent them to the round of 16.
After the match, Eliah Kananji hailed his team for the win, acknowledging their struggles in the first half.
“We conceded a silly goal, but at halftime, we told them that the match is not yet over. In the second half, we came out as a changed side, resulting in those two goals.
“Nobody has a guaranteed place in the squad, which is why we made changes, and it paid off. We aim to surpass our achievement from the last edition, reaching the quarterfinals,” said Kananji.
The soldiers, however, refused to grant post-match interviews to the media, claiming bias from the officiating team.
In another match, Ekwendeni Hammers FC defeated Airborne Rangers FC 3-1 in Dedza to secure their place in the round of 16. The hosts scored through Chimwemwe Mhone, while Hammers’ goals came from Blessings Singini (brace) and Isaac Msiska.
So far, a total of 38 goals have been scored in 12 round of 32 games.
Two matches have gone to penalty shootouts, involving Santhe ADMARC FC against Mighty Tigers FC and Extreme FC versus St. Gabriel Zitha.
Additionally, red cards were shown to Chifundo George of Extreme FC and Alick Levious of St. Gabriel Zitha FC.
The round of 32 action continues on Wednesday, with Civil Service United FC facing off against Leyman Panthers FC at Nankhaka Stadium. Chitipa United FC will take on Dedza Dynamos FC at Karonga Stadium, while Mayamiko Stars FC will host Zingwangwa FC at Mzuzu Stadium.
