15 goals in Pres Cup Balaka finals
There was a goal galore on Sunday at Balaka Stadium during the district Presidential Cup final between Balaka Socials and Pack & Go.
The match ended in penalty shoot-outs after the two sides were tied 1-1 in regulation time.
Socials won the game 8-7 through post-match penalties and received K100 000 (about $250) and a trophy whereas Pack & Go got K50 000 (about $125).
The two teams, considered rank outsiders, surprised many soccer enthusiasts with their qualification into the district finals. Some big teams that crashed out of this prestigious cup, that had 22 teams, are former champions Chilobwe, last year’s runners-up Super Rangers and former Division One side Andiamo Bullets.
The Sunday game, played before a capacity crowd that included Balaka district commissioner Smart Gwedemula, was relatively balanced. Socials had a grand first-half and took the lead on the dot of half-time through Victor Kalonda.
Pack & Go dictated the second-half with striker Kondwani Lufeyo constantly invading Socials defence. Their hard work paid off in the 85th minute when Peter Chidothi equallised after a defensive blunder.
The match went straight into penalties where both sides missed one in the first set. Referee Stain Phekani ordered another set in which Pack & Go’s had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Charles Gumbalo.
Pack & Go captain Alfred Machila conceded defeat, saying their opponents deserved the win.
“We used a new system [3-5-2] which confused us so much. Penalties are unpredictable. We lost the game and we congratulate our opponents,” said Machila.
Delighted Balaka Socials coach Alick Manja said: “It was a balanced game that would have gone either way. We are happy to win the cup. We will thoroughly prepare well for the regional finals.”
To reach the finals, Socials knocked out Mchenga, Liwonde Roadblock, Galaxy FC, and Phalula whereas Pack & Go, who played a game less, beat Young Soccer, Mbera United and Toleza.
