It calls for a Carlsberg
Masters Security have vowed to give the soccer fraternity a charming story about an underdog punching above its weight to stun a giant when they face holders Nyasa Big Bullets in the semi-finals of the Carlsberg Cup at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe this afternoon.
After a trip to Salima for a chill out on the shores of Lake Malawi earlier in the week, Masters say they are determined to pull off a shock result that will linger in the memories of those that will be privileged to witness the events as they unfold.
The Lilongwe-based side’s coach Abbas Makawa said there have been no special preparations for the showdown.
“I have told my players to be relaxed and enjoy themselves.
“They know what is at stake if they win this game and I have told them to take it easy and take the game to Bullets.
“We have no reason to panic, if anything it is Bullets who should be under pressure because they are the holders and the favourites,” he said.
Masters are an unpredictable side, but when on song they turn on a scintillating play with their deadly trio of Juma Yatina, Babatunde Adeboye and Vincent Nyangulu turning on the magic.
They will, however, be without defender Maneno Nyoni and Talekeleni ‘Anzeru’ Joseph as per their loan agreement with the People’s Team.
Bullets coach Rogers Yasin said they anticipate a tough battle.
“It will be one of our biggest tests in the quest to retain the cup. Masters can prove to be a tough customer on their day and we need to exercise caution,” he said.
Yasin also said their performance in their previous two games against Red Lions and Mafco FC was below-par.
By their own lofty standards, Bullets were woeful against Lions in the semis of the tournament in which they escaped jaws of defeat by snatching an injury time equaliser as they trailed 1-0 to force the match into post-match penalties in which they won 4-3.
They also struggled against Mafco in a TNM Super League match last weekend in which they also came from behind to win 2-1.
“We will need to up the tempo and play with renewed purpose. Having said that, we are ready for the match and looking forward to reaching the finals,” he said.
Bullets will be welcoming back their hitman Chiukepo Msowoya from two yellow cards’ suspension and defender Miracle Gabeya who will be returning after a lengthy spell due to an injury.
However, they will be without midfielder Righteous Banda who picked an injury during Flames training earlier in the week. Also doubtful, according to their team manager James Chilapondwa, is veteran winger Fischer Kondowe who is recovering from an injury.
When the two teams met in the first round of the TNM Super League, Bullets won 2-0.
Tomorrow, Chitetezo Mbaula Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Premier League outfit Hangover FC host be Forward Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre in another semi-final match.
The second-tier league side are hoping to add the Nomads to their list of casualties after ousting Moyale Barracks and Blue Eagles from the contest.
