Mighty Tigers advanced to the round of 16 of the Castel Challenge Cup after thrashing Chilumba Barracks 4-0 at Chitipa Stadium on Sunday.
The Kaukau boys, recently relegated from the elite League, faced fellow relegation victims from the National Division League and produced a commanding performance to secure their place in the next round.
MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA
Veteran forward Matthews Sibale starred with two goals and an assist, while Bonnex Chigaya and Grayson Msowoya added the other goals to complete the rout.
Both sides started brightly, testing each goalkeeper early. Chigaya opened the scoring in the 7th minute, connecting with a pass from Sibale to put Tigers ahead.
Sibale forced a great save from the Chilumba goalkeeper in the 15th minute before heading home from Chigaya’s cross to double the lead in the 20th minute.
Msowoya added a third with a stunning strike in the 35th minute, and Sibale completed his brace two minutes later to make it 4-0 before halftime.
The hosts responded by introducing John Chitseko, Wanangwa Gondwe, and Lemon Katsina for Joseph Chunga, Moses Botha, and Chifuniro Mhango.
Tigers made two changes at the break, bringing on Steve Nkhoma and John Kamwendo for Chifundo Sapuwa and James Tambwali.
Chilumba dominated the opening 15 minutes of the second half but failed to find the target. Martin Chiona and Matolino Clement replaced Frank Bushaga and Yamikani Moffat as the hosts searched for a consolation goal.
Tigers made further substitutions, with Masambiro Kalua, Daniel Shadreck, and Wisdom Maulabo Jere coming on for Moses Banda, Grayson Msowoya, and Matthews Sibale, as they comfortably saw out the final stages.
Mighty Tigers head coach Trevor Kajawa praised his team’s first-half display but expressed concern about their second-half approach.
“We had a bright first half where we scored four goals, but we sat back and defended in the second half, which didn’t please me,” said Kajawa. “I think we need to tell the boys that when we have chances, we need to convert them. You never know, you could end up as the top goal scorer.”
Chilumba Barracks head coach Nelson Chirwa admitted his side lacked maturity when it mattered most.
“We started very well, but I think we lacked maturity and conceded silly goals in the first half that cost us dearly,” said Chirwa. “After talking to them at halftime, they came out stronger and managed to prevent Tigers from scoring again.”
Tigers join Mighty Wanderers, Karonga United, Kamuzu Barracks, Civil Service United, Blue Eagles, Ekhaya FC, Mzuzu City Hammers, Airborne Rangers, Wimbe Shire FC, and Ndirande Stars in the round of 16.
Discover more from Wa Mpira
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
