Blue Eagles face Nomads in Standard Bank Cup semi-final
Blue Eagles and Be Forward Wanderers, clubs that share dark blue colours, face-off Saturday in a potentially-explosive Standard Bank Knock-Out Cup semi-final at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Nomads aim to put their league woes behind and continue with their impressive run in cup games this season having won the Carlsberg Cup recently.
In their last meeting in the league this season, the two teams drew 1-1 at Nankhaka Stadium. However, cup games are always unpredictable and one must go home crying with the other celebrating.
Eagles last won this cup in 2012 when they overcame Escom United 1-0 at Civo Stadium, whereas the Nomads have a very good record in the cup after winning it in 2013 and 2014.
Eagles assistant coach, Wilson Chidati, said their mission would be to reach the final and grab the cup.
“It won’t be an easy task playing Wanderers because of their good record in cup games, but we are prepared to stop them,” Chidati said.
The Nomads must keep a watchful eye on free-scoring Schumacher Kuwali, John Banda and Gilbert Chirwa. Kuwali had an impressive Flames debut against Tanzania last week.
As of Thursday, only Grant Zakumbuyo and Elia Kabingu were injury doubts for the Eagles.
On his part, Wanderers vice team manager, Steve Madeira, was brave ahead of the fixture.
Our aim is to win the Standard Bank Cup now because winning the Super League is almost impossible for us,” he said.
Wanderers will be without Rafik Mussa, Francis Mlimbika, Jacob Ngwira, Malumbo Gondwe and Ishmael Thindwa due to injuries.
However, Jabulani Linje could be available for selection whereas Luka Milanzi, Mike Kaziputa and Mohamad Sulumba are potential match winners for the Lali Lubani outfit.
To reach that far, Nomads started their campaign in the preliminary round when they knocked out Mafco 4-3 through post-match penalties before beating Red Lions 1-0 in the quarterfinals. Eagles joined the cup in the quarterfinals and booted out defending champions, Silver Strikers, 1-0 at Silver Stadium.
The winner between Eagles and Wanderers face Civo United in the final.
The cup is being bankrolled to the tune of K46 million and the champions will pocket K10 million.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
