Civil Service United Civil booted out
Civil Service United have been booted out of the FDH Bank Cup following a 4-3 loss on post-match penalties to Sable Farming at their own backyard, Civo Stadium, Sunday.
They became the first top flight league team to be knocked out of the competition at the expense of a lower league team.
Veteran defender George Nyirenda scored the winning penalty for the second-tier side to progress to the round of 32.
Innocent Tanganyika turned from hero to villain when his spot kick smashed the post before Civil’s goalkeeper Tione Tembo also hit the crossbar.
Initially, Tanganyika had cancelled out Sheriff Maida’s goal to force the game into penalty shoot-outs.
Sable scored four penalties through Maida, Lewis Thom, Nyirenda and Madalitso Chiumia whereas Dan Kumwenda, Chikondi Maloya and Muhammad Sulumba converted for Civil.
Civil Coach Franco Ndawa had no kind words for the officiating panel.
“The referees made us lose the match. I am not happy,” he said.
Sable Coach Chancy Nsema said his troops deserved the win.
“My players executed the game plan well,” he said.
While Civil were mourning in Lilongwe, their rivals Silver Strikers earned a hard fought 1-2 win over second-tier side Immigration at Mpira Stadium.
Chinsisi Maonga and Maxwell Phodo scored for the Bankers to book their place in the round of 16. Chimwemwe Ibrahim scored the consolation for the passport makers.
Silver coach Daniel Kabwe was pleased with the win.
“Cup games are always unpredictable. It was a difficult match but what matters is the result,” the Zambian coach said.
Immigration Coach Victor Nthutha said his players put up a gallant fight.
Elsewhere, Kamuzu Barracks hard an easy ride after beating Ngolowindo 3-0 at Nankhaka Stadium with goals from Zinjani Yona, Francisco Kamdzeka and Sammy Chiponda.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Chitipa United survived a scare after coming from behind to beat 3-2 Polytechnic to set up a round of 16 tie against Mighty Be Forward Wanderers, who beat Karonga United 5-3 on post-match penalties on Saturday.
Isaac Fischer scored twice for Poly whereas Alex Benson, Mathews Sibale and Rajab Nyirenda scored for Chitipa.
Other teams that qualified include Nyasa Big Bullets, Mafco, Blue Eagles, Red Lions and Moyale Barracks.
