National Division League side Bangwe All Stars became the 11th team to book their place in the FDH Bank Cup Round of 16 after defeating Sporting FC 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Rumphi Stadium.
Bangwe got off to a brilliant start when Madalitso Mwachumu opened the scoring in the 10th minute, giving them a 1-0 lead at halftime. However, Sporting dominated the second half, and their persistence paid off when Lyson Nkhoma equalized with a dramatic 90th-minute goal to force the match into a penalty shootout.
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In the shootout, Bangwe All Stars converted all four of their penalties through Melvin Mwaila, Samuel Banda, Innocent Milanzie, and Seleman Size. Sporting FC struggled from the spot, with only Austin Ngoma finding the net while Albert Thova and Kondwani Mwasonga both failed to score from 12 yards.
Bangwe’s assistant coach Davie Matemba expressed satisfaction with the away victory despite his team’s subdued second-half performance, and said the team is looking forward to their Round of 16 fixture.
“We are playing in the League where if we do well, we will progress to the Super League, so our next game will be a real test for our team to see if we are ready and can compete at the elite level. This will also motivate us in our league campaign,” said Matemba.
Sporting FC head coach Zige Kajazi graciously accepted defeat, praising his team’s effort while acknowledging that fortune didn’t favor them on the day.
“It was a good game considering how we played. The boys gave everything to get a win. As you know, we conceded early but managed to come back – luck was just not on our side,” said Kajazi.
Bangwe All Stars join Blue Eagles, Chatoloma ADMARC, Civil Service United, Creck Sporting Club, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Kamuzu Barracks, Moyale Barracks, Mighty Wanderers, Mzuzu City Hammers, and Silver Strikers in the Round of 16.
Their qualification sets up an intriguing clash against Super League side Kamuzu Barracks, with the match to be played at Bangwe’s home ground.
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