Silver oust rivals Civil
Silver Strikers progressed to the quarter-finals of the Fisd Challenge Cup after beating Civil Sporting Club 10-9 through penalty shoot-outs, after a 1-1 draw in open play.
Khuda Muyaba, Young Chimodzi Jnr, Trevor Kalema, Mark Fodya, Lazarus Nyemera, Victor Limbani, Mike Ntonyo, Mphatso Philemon, Mike Tetteh and Brighton Munthali scored for Silver while Herbert Wayekha had his spot-kick saved.
Innocent Tanganyika, Henry Msowoya, Fletcher Bandawe, Ranken Mwale, Blessings Tembo, Gomezgani Chirwa, Andrew Banda, and Lawrence Chaziya scored for Civil while Christopher Kumwembe hit the post and Tanganyika’s second penalty went wide.
Tetteh gave the hosts the lead in the 59th minute with an opportunistic goal.
He capitalised on a melee in the box after Civil goalkeeper Hastings Banda had fumbled a Mark Fodya free-kick.
The visitors replied with an act of their own. Chirwa’s long pass found Tanganyika who in turn played the ball to Fletcher Bandawe.
Silver defender Mike Ntonyo fouled Bandawe as he was about to shoot in the box.
Referee Ishmael Chizinga awarded the visitors a penalty and Bandawe scored from the spot.
The goal triggered protests from the home fans and the game had to be stopped for close to five minutes as Silver officials tried to calm down their supporters.
Silver created opportunities to get the lead in the first-half but failed to score.
They had six corner-kicks and four free-kicks.
Muyaba and his striking partner Tetteh managed to beat Civil defence marshalled by Gomezgani Chirwa and Lawrence Chaziya, but the final touches were awful.
Muyaba’s long-range effort in the 37th minute missed the upright by an inch, drawing a loud disappointed howl from Silver fans.
On the other hand, the visitors failed to muster a worthwhile offensive in Silver territory. Silver midfield of Levison Maganizo, Chimodzi Jnr, Duncan Nyoni and Thuso Paipa diffused Civo attacks before they materialised.
The attacking trio of Isaac Msiska, Bandawe, and substitute Tanganyika who replaced Ferguson Ntondo in the 16th minute, were rendered impotent as the supply line was cut.
Civil coach Franco Ndawa said it was painful to lose on penalties.
“It was a cracker. Our opponents played good football. We rallied and fought back to level the scores. Penalty shoot-outs are always difficult and it is sad that we are out. Now our focus will be on the league,” said Ndawa.
His counterpart Lovemore Fazili said they wasted a lot of chances.
“We could have easily won the game in normal time. It is great that we have won because we deserved to win. It could have been very disappointing if we had we lost,” he said.
