Dedza set to oust Mafco from Carlsberg Cup

Dedza Young Soccer say they are relishing the opportunity of adding Mafco to their list of casualties in the Carlsberg Cup when they meet this afternoon in a round of 16 at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.

To qualify for the round of 16, the lads from Dedza stunned Super League side Karonga United 1-0 and their coach Maliasi Pofera believes they can sail through to the quarter-finals this afternoon.

The outfit also boasts of the tournament’s current leading scorer Imran Ibrahim who forms a deadly combination with Dave Balaka, who coincidentally, is the second leading scorer.

“The pressure is on them [Mafco] because they are a big side; we’ll go out there to give out our best shot to qualify for the quarter-finals. Otherwise, we are not in a panic,” said Pofera.

But Mafco captain Zasher Nong’oneza and coach Stereo Gondwe said they will not throw caution to the wind.

“Looking at the upsets that have occurred so far, we cannot afford to toy around with the idea of underrating Dedza Young Soccer.

“We are treating the game with a lot of caution, but playing at home gives us a slight advantage,” said Nong’oneza who is expected to man the field.

Upfront, Mafco will look up to their marksman Callisto Kalinda and Richard Mbulu.

The winner of of the tie today’s match will face winners between Mighty Wanderers and Chikwawa United.