By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Defending Champions of Central Region Football Association Nyasa Capital Finance Cup have been shocked and booted out of the competition by division one side Zaithwa FC.
Silver Strikers Reserve FC has lost through post match penalties 4-2 after regulation time ended in a 1-1 draw at Matumba ground in Dedza on Saturday in Nyasa Capital Cup round of 32.
The visitors were first to score at 18th minute through Frank Sanudi but the host replied too fast at 32nd minute through Neo White from a well taken corner kick by Levi Bango.
After these two goals, the hype of the game changed as both teams kept on pressing each other in search of the winning goals. First half ended teams equaling power.
Second half despite efforts from both teams as never produced goals forcing the game to go into penalties.
In the penalty shoot outs McDonald Yobe coached side had all hopes of winning as they first converted theirs and taking into consideration that they were defending the cup.
Zaithwa FC scored through Peter Sembe,Victor Masudi,Eston Kaonga and Leonard Mapulanga while Levi Bango missed his penalty.
Silver Reserve scored through Akuzike Lifa and Frank Sanudi as Austine Mwale and Emmas Nyirenda missed theirs with Zaithwa FC goalie saving the last kick by fellow goalie Robert Paipi.
Team Manager for Zaithwa FC Zinenani Banda was over the moon after the victory saying knocking out the defending champions Silver Strikers RSV is a sign that they are serious to win the cup this year.
“We are focused to win the cup,our boys played well as Silver Strikers came in full force but we managed to contain them for the entire 90 minutes.
We will continue with the preparations for the round of 16 of the cup not only that but also for UNAYO division one league as we aim to play in the premier division league next season”, said Banda.
Silver Strikers Reserve FC coach McDonald Yobe described the defeat as painful saying as the defending Champions they were not supposed to be knocked out in the early stages.
Yobe added his boys played very well despite losing in the penalties.
He further said the team will make sure to keep winning games in Chipiku Premier division league.
Zaithwa FC will face their fellow division one side Santhe ADMARC FC in round 16, in what will be a final before final as Santhe are also doing good in the league.
Central Region Nyasa Capital Finance Cup 2022 has produced shocking and upsetting results as division one teams are booting out premier division teams,for instance:
Nsaru United FC knocked out Mbabvi United, Santhe ADMARC defeated Ngolowindo FC, Play Football Malawi were beaten by Dickson United 5-4 on penalties after 90 minutes ended 3-3 and Blue Eagles RSV defeated Mitundu Strikers FC 14-13 on penalties after regulation time ended 2-2.
Silver Strikers Reserve FC defeated Kamuzu Barracks RSV 6-2 in 2021 Nyasa Capital Finance Cup edition to be crowned champions.
