The FDH Bank Cup has produced several upsets since it was introduced in 2021.
Three Super League teams Silver Strikers, Kamuzu Barracks (KB) and Chitipa United have already kissed bye to the competition at the expense of second-tier sides in this year’s edition of the cup.
Blue Eagles caused an upset when they knocked Silver out of the competition following a 5-3 victory on post-match penalties after a goal-less stalemate at Nankhaka Stadium in the round of 32.
Northern Region Premier Division side Iponga stunned KB 1-0 at Civo Stadium after Raiply also eliminated Chitipa 5-4 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
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But this afternoon, Eagles will tread with caution when they host Santhe Admarc in the round of 16 at Nankhaka Stadium.
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Although the two teams are playing in the same league this season, the Eagles have class in abundance.
However, Santhe are giant killers in this competition.
Last season, they knocked out two Super League teams KB and Mighty Tigers on their way to the quarterfinals in which they lost 5-0 to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Eagles Coach Elia Kananji has told his troops to double their efforts as cup games are unpredictable.
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“We need to guard against complacency because cup games are different from league matches. We need to concentrate the entire match,” Kananji said.
On his part, Santhe Coach Macdonald Matanje said they will not be intimidated.
“We are ready for any team. We want to write another piece of history this year,” he said.
In another round of 16 match this afternoon, Creck Sporting Club will face a tricky assignment against rookies Baka City at Karonga Stadium.
Elsewhere, it will be a double header at Mzuzu Stadium as Lube Masters face Raiply in an early kick off before paving the way for Moyale Barracks and MMF Marine.
On Sunday, it will be an all Super League affair as Tigers host Civil Service United at Mpira Stadium. Holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will face rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium next week whereas Karonga United will host Dedza Dynamos at Karonga. Iponga will face Mafco next week.
