National Sports

Army teams shine in Carlsberg cup

Kasiyano dives to save a penalty
Kasiyano dives to save a penalty

All four Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Super League teams have qualified for the 2013 Carlsberg Cup quarter-finals.

On Sunday, Mafco were the last to seal their quarter-final berth after seeing off Azam Tigers 3-2 on post-match penalties.

Substitute goalkeeper Frank Kasiyano stayed on the pitch for just seven minutes, but that was enough for him to save three consecutive post-match penalties and see Mafco through at the expense of Azam Tigers.

Kasiyano, who coach Stereo Gondwe introduced in the 89th minute for Kingsley Kapalamula, ensured that the 2013 Presidential Cup kings face fellow soldiers Moyale Barracks this Thursday at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.

“I took Mafco to Presidential Cup finals and I had to stand out and be counted when the coach introduced me. It is all about timing and making powerful saves,” Kasiyano said in a post-match interview minutes after fellow players marched on the pitch in celebration.

Kasiyano saved spot kicks by Bonda Mpinganjira, Wily Saenda and Clement Ng’ombe on the trot whereas Tigers’ Nenani Juwayo stopped Jimmy Mzunga’s first attempt for Mafco before his colleagues Hassan Chapola, Chifundo Phimba and Saidi Mtekama converted.

That rendered the rest of the penalties mere formalities to break the hearts of the Tigers who tried to crawl back into the goalless game after the break but were let down by a timid frontline. Gondwe’s tactics once again triumphed.

“I trust this boy that is why I introduced him when I was certain that the match would go into penalties. It is my wish that an army side should grab this cup,” Gondwe said as the Tigers trooped from the pitch in silence.

Joining Mafco on Sunday were Red Lions who beat Mighty Wanderers 2-1 in Zomba.

Thomas Makungwa drew first blood for the Reds after 29 minutes.

The goal came in slightly bizarre circumstances as the Nomads rearguard was caught napping and Makungwa ghosted in to score past Nomads goal-minder Bester Phiri.

Whatever pep talk was delivered at half-time by coach Stuart Mbolembole will remain in the classified category, but there was renewed purpose in Nomads play and the introduction of exciting midfielder Kondwani Kumwenda-who replaced captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr- also breathed a new life into their game.

Kumwenda made an instant impression when he scored in the 68th minute, but the assistant referee’s flag was already up.

Sensing danger, the Reds started gaining momentum especially after the introduction of their talisman Dixon Mbetewa Jnr who replaced Boniface Kaulesi in the 66th minute and exactly six minutes later, Mbetewa shattered the Nomads hopes of a comeback with a stunning strike.

And as the match cruised towards conclusion, the Nomads hit one back through Kumwenda, but it wasn’t enough and it never was going to be.

Game over? Yes! And it is the Lions who progressed to the quarter-finals and will meet winners between Evirom and Bvumbwe Reasearch.

Zativuta lero. We tried our best, koma mikango lero inalusa. But we were denied two clear goals by the referees,” said Nomads general secretary David Kanyenda.

Lions coach Mike Kumanga saluted his charges for fighting every inch of the way.

Lions also ousted Wanderers from the Presidential Cup through post-match penalties.

The lunch-hour kick-off at Kamuzu Stadium between Blantyre United and Civo United ended in a barren draw in regulation time, forcing it into penalties and the Civil Servants’ key defender Charles Beni missed the decisive kick after United’s Maxwell Chirwa converted his. The game ended 7-6 in favour of Blantyre United.

Blantyre United will face Mponela United in the quarter-finals.

In the other quarter-final, Big Bullets will clash with Kamuzu Barracks this Wednesday at Dedza Stadium.

 

 

 

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