Lions in Carlsberg semis
The mood, the spirit and the atmosphere were all different at the ceremonial home of football, but that mattered less to Red Lions who did it to perfection with a 5-0 demolition of Evirom to qualify for the Carlsberg Cup semi-finals.
The drab game at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre was played without the usual hype of the fans as a result of the ugly scenes that marred the initial encounter which was abandoned in the 70th minute last Friday.
A small group of journalists and a few officials that included Flames coach Tom Saintfiet witnessed the proceedings.
The Zomba-based soldiers were the third military side to make it into the last four after Moyale and Kamuzu Barracks (KB). The Lions will face Moyale Barracks whereas Blantyre United will host KB.
Evirom coach Mario Gadaga said they were robbed of the game as FAM only communicated to them about the fixture late on Tuesday.
“We just came to fulfil the fixture for fear of being penalised; otherwise, we were very reluctant because [FAM competitions officer] Gomezgani Zakazaka only notified us late on Wednesday when we had already finished training.
“It was only out of sportsmanship that we accepted to play; otherwise, my players were very reluctant,” said Gadaga.
However, Zakazaka dismissed Gadaga’s claims saying: “That is not true. Both teams were informed on Monday evening about the decision to have the match replayed today,.”
Lions coach Mike Kumanga expressed satisfaction with the performance of his troops.
“We were disorganised in the first game, we didn’t play as a team. But today we put our act together and we were very effective upfront.
“I am happy that the boys played to instructions and now we have to look forward to the semi-final match against moyale,” said Kumanga.
Thomas Makombwa, who is turning into the Lions’ talisman, drew first blood after 30 minutes with a sharp header and a few minutes later, he trudged off the pitch injured.
Boniface Kaulesi added the second in the 53rd minute and six minutes later Lot Chawinga made it 3-0.
Chawinga, who was in magnificent form, claimed a double in the 63rd minute to put the soldiers four up before Kumbukani Mwambeni sealed the score sheet with a beauty, beating Evirom goalkeeper Blessings Kameza with a terrific shot from an acute angle.
