Mighty Wanderers Youth underlined their African Herbal Mixture Za Natural Under-19 Cup after booting out holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Youth 5-4 post-match penalties at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre on Saturday.
In regulation the Blantyre mini-derby ended 1-1.
In the final, Wanderers Youth will face Agumbala FC, who CC Stars 4-3 on post-match penalties after settling for a 3-3 draw in regulation time.
It looked as though Bullets Youth were on course to defend the cup for the third consecutive time when Charles Kasangala scored five minutes to half time.
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Almost immediately, Wanderers fought back and they were duly repaid when Owen Dzombe scored a penalty before half time.
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It was a thrilling affair in the second half as Wanderers attacked relentlessly but could not break Bullets’ defence.
Wanderers Youth Coach George Sangala congratulated his troops for following instructions.
“We took the game to them. We created many chances but we did not utilise them. All the same, we are happy to be in the final after post-match penalties. The boys were composed during the shootout,” Sangala said.
In reaction, Bullets Youth Coach Yamikani Fodya conceded defeat.
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“We played well but that does not matter when you lose,” Fodya said.
African Herbal Mixture Clinic Managing Director Joel Chirambo said the semifinals lived up to its billing.
“We watched entertaining and competitive matches,” he said.
Chirambo said they have accepted Blantyre District Youth Football Association to stage the final on May 18 at Kamuzu Stadium in the commercial city.
Meanwhile, BDYFA Chairperson Bitto Kayesera said preparations for the final were underway.
“The idea is to have a lot of people witnessing the development clash,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bullets Youth and CC Stars will battle for bronze.
