Hammers survive Baka City scare to book Nomads date

Mzuzu City Hammers narrowly avoided a major upset at Rumphi Stadium on Sunday, surviving scares in both regulation time and the penalty shootout to edge past lower-league Baka City 7-6 on penalties and secure their place in the FDH Bank Cup round of 16.

The Super League side dominated the first half, taking the lead through Hassan Luwembe’s well-taken strike on 44 minutes. However, Baka City came alive in the second period, with Tambulani Mwale missing a crucial penalty before Hastings Ndau’s 82nd-minute equalizer forced the tie into a dramatic shootout.

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Hammers controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, creating numerous chances in the first 30 minutes. Isaiah Nyirenda, Kelvin Kazombo, and Chisomo Banda all spurned good opportunities before Luwembe finally broke the deadlock with a clinical finish just before the break.

The hosts’ early dominance suggested a comfortable afternoon ahead, but they would rue their inability to extend their advantage when chances presented themselves.

The visitors transformed their approach after the interval, putting Hammers under sustained pressure. Hastings Ndau came close with a header that drifted wide before Baka City earned a golden opportunity from the penalty spot on 58 minutes.

Goalkeeper Eddie Jamu proved to be Hammers’ hero, denying Tambulani Mwale from twelve yards to keep his side’s lead intact. The save would prove crucial as the momentum shifted decisively toward the lower-league visitors.

Hammers coach responded by introducing Jollen Kanyinji for Maxwell Funseni, but the tactical change couldn’t prevent Baka City’s equalizer. Ndau made amends for his earlier miss with a powerful strike eight minutes from time, sending the tie to penalties.

The shootout proved to be a test of nerves for both sides. Eddie Jamu, Aubrey Simbi, Isaiah Nyirenda, Alex Msiska, Matthews Banda, Hassan Luwembe, and Kelvin Kazombo all converted for Hammers, with only Chisomo Sambani missing his attempt.

For Baka City, Bruce Mapunda, Lloyd Siyeni, Overton Mwangomba, Christopher Mbisa, Philimoni Ndhlovu, and Hastings Ndau found the net, but costly misses from Boyed Kamwendo and Mwiza Chiona ultimately ended their cup run.

Post-Match Reactions

Hammers head coach Elias Chirambo was critical of his team’s second-half performance, admitting his players had underestimated their opponents.

“It was a good game and we played well in the first half, but in the second half, I think the boys started to underrate our opponents because they are from a lower league. That’s why we conceded, and we are lucky that we won on penalties,” Chirambo said.

Baka City coach Daniel Shabani attributed his team’s below-par performance to travel complications that disrupted their preparation.

“We had a breakdown that made us stay five days on the road, and we were supposed to play this game on Wednesday next week but were just told to play today. That’s why we did not play our usual game,” Shabani explained.

The victory sets up a mouth-watering round of 16 clash for Hammers, who will host Mighty Wanderers at home. The Nomads progressed after knocking out MAFCO FC on Saturday.

Hammers join an impressive list of teams in the round of 16, including Blue Eagles, Chatoloma ADMARC, Civil Service United, Creck Sporting Club, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Kamuzu Barracks, Moyale Barracks, Mighty Wanderers, and Silver Strikers.

Final Score: Mzuzu City Hammers 1-1 Baka City (Hammers win 7-6 on penalties)