Chisale’s penalty heroics send KB into FDH Cup quarters

Kamuzu Barracks advanced to the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinals following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Bangwe All Stars at Mpira Stadium. After an entertaining 1-1 draw that saw both sides create numerous chances, KB held their nerve from the spot to progress 3-1 on penalties and book a quarterfinal clash with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in Blantyre.

The military side showed early ambition but were matched throughout by a resilient Bangwe outfit that refused to be intimidated by their more fancied opponents. What followed was 90 minutes of compelling cup football that perfectly captured the unpredictable nature of knockout competition.

Kamuzu Barracks signaled their intentions from the opening whistle, earning an early corner in the 2nd minute as they looked to unsettle their lower-division opponents. Bangwe goalkeeper Stivie Bwanali, however, demonstrated the alertness that would characterize his performance throughout, clearing the danger with confidence.

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Bangwe gradually found their rhythm and nearly opened the scoring in the 4th minute when the pacey Ellias Mwandira ghosted past the KB defense, only to be cynically fouled by captain Sam Gunda just outside the area. The resulting free-kick lacked conviction and was comfortably gathered by KB goalkeeper Hastings Banda.

The opening quarter developed into an absorbing tactical battle. Kamuzu Barracks relied heavily on set-piece situations, forcing three corners in the first 20 minutes as they sought to exploit their height advantage. Each time, however, Bwanali stood firm between the posts, commanding his area with growing authority.

Bangwe’s response came through more direct means. Amidu Medson tested Banda’s reflexes with a thunderous long-range effort in the 26th minute, though the keeper was equal to the challenge despite the ball’s awkward bounce.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 32nd minute through a moment of aerial excellence. Sam Chiponda delivered a perfectly weighted cross from the right flank, and Olson Kanjira rose majestically above the Bangwe defense to power home a header that gave Bwanali no chance.

Bangwe’s response was immediate and nearly devastating. A corner situation in the 34th minute created chaos in the KB penalty area, but Banda produced a spectacular reflex save to preserve his side’s advantage, diving low to his left to deny what seemed a certain equalizer.

The half’s most significant moment came in the 38th minute when KB captain Sam Gunda, having accumulated several bookable offenses, was tactically withdrawn by his coaching staff. John Banda entered the fray while Gregory Nachipo inherited the captain’s armband, a change that would prove crucial to KB’s discipline in the second period.

As the referee’s whistle signaled the break, Kamuzu Barracks held their 1-0 advantage, but both sets of players knew the tie was far from decided.

Both coaches recognized the need for fresh impetus at the interval. Bangwe introduced Japhet Kam’dzimbi and Madalitso Mwachumu for Ellias Mwandira and Dyson Moffart, seeking greater pace and creativity in the final third. KB responded with their own double change, bringing on new signing John Francis Mchema and the experienced Zinjani Yona for goalscorer Kanjira and provider Chiponda.

The second half’s early drama arrived in the 54th minute when KB suffered a significant blow. Goalkeeper Hastings Banda, who had been solid throughout, pulled up clutching his groin and was unable to continue. Charles Chisale was thrust into the spotlight, taking over between the posts at a crucial juncture.

Bangwe seized upon this disruption with renewed vigor, and their persistence was rewarded in the 61st minute. Mike Mtonyo’s handball in the penalty area left referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Samuel Banda, displaying nerves of steel, sent Chisale the wrong way to restore parity and send the sizeable Bangwe contingent into raptures.

The momentum shift was palpable. Both sides pressed forward with increasing urgency, creating a more open, end-to-end spectacle. KB’s new signing Mchema looked particularly threatening, using his pace and trickery to trouble the Bangwe defense, but his evening was cut short when he suffered what appeared to be a serious injury in the 70th minute.

After receiving lengthy treatment, Mchema was stretchered off in the 75th minute, replaced by Hope Namadzunda in what represented KB’s final substitution. Bangwe made their own tactical adjustment in the 84th minute, introducing Benjamin Kalinga for the tiring Amidu Medson to shore up their midfield for the final push.

Despite a frenetic finish that included a dangerous KB free-kick in stoppage time, neither side could find the decisive goal. After 90 minutes of absorbing football, the tie would be settled by the lottery of penalties.

Penalty Shootout: Bangwe All Stars 1-3 Kamuzu Barracks

The penalty shootout began with Bangwe captain Innocent Milanzi stepping up first, coolly converting to give his side the early advantage. KB’s response came through Hope Namadzunda, who showed no signs of nerves despite being a late substitute, finding the bottom corner with precision.

Bangwe’s second penalty taker, Seleman Musa, saw his effort expertly saved by Chisale, diving to his right to make a crucial stop. KB failed to capitalize immediately as Lumbani Mkandawire’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Bwanali, maintaining the balance.

The tide turned decisively with the next two penalties. Samuel Banda, the hero of regulation time, saw his spot-kick saved by the impressive Chisale. Smey Chimunkho made no such mistake for KB, finding the top corner to give his side a 2-1 advantage.

James Kudzala stepped up knowing Bangwe’s cup run hung in the balance, but once again Chisale proved equal to the task, making his third save of the shootout. This left Geoffrey Sumani with the opportunity to seal KB’s progression, and the defender made no mistake, firing into the roof of the net to spark wild celebrations among the KB contingent.

KB’s victory built on mental fortitude: Analysis

Kamuzu Barracks’ victory was built on mental fortitude rather than superior football. Over 90 minutes, there was little to separate these sides, with Bangwe matching their opponents’ intensity and organization throughout. The lower-division side’s spirited performance will have won them many admirers and demonstrated that cup football remains the great leveler.

Charles Chisale emerged as the unlikely hero for KB, thrust into action in the second half and delivering a penalty shootout performance that will be remembered for years. His three crucial saves demonstrated remarkable composure for a goalkeeper entering such a high-pressure situation.

For Bangwe, this defeat will sting particularly given how close they came to a famous cup upset. Samuel Banda’s penalty conversion showcased the quality within their ranks, while goalkeeper Stivie Bwanali’s consistent performance throughout highlighted their defensive resilience.

Kamuzu Barracks now face the daunting prospect of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the quarterfinals. The Blantyre venue will provide a stern test of their cup credentials, but this penalty shootout victory will have instilled valuable confidence in their ability to handle pressure situations.

For Bangwe All Stars, attention returns to their league campaign, but they can hold their heads high after a performance that proved they belong on the same pitch as established opponents. This experience will serve them well in future cup competitions.

Match Statistics

Final Score: Bangwe All Stars 1-1 Kamuzu Barracks
Kamuzu Barracks win 3-1 on penalties

Goalscorers:

• Olson Kanjira 32′ (KB)
• Samuel Banda 61′ (pen) (Bangwe)

Key Substitutions:

• 38′: John Banda ⬅️ Sam Gunda (KB)
• HT: Japhet Kam’dzimbi & Madalitso Mwachumu ⬅️ Ellias Mwandira & Dyson Moffart (Bangwe)
• HT: John Francis Mchema & Zinjani Yona ⬅️ Olson Kanjira & Sam Chiponda (KB)
• 54′: Charles Chisale ⬅️ Hastings Banda (KB)
• 75′: Hope Namadzunda ⬅️ John Francis Mchema (KB)
• 84′: Benjamin Kalinga ⬅️ Amidu Medson (Bangwe)

Wa Mpira’s Man of the Match: Charles Chisale (Kamuzu Barracks) – Three penalty saves in the shootout after entering as a substitute