Civo Stadium will be a battlefield as two military teams Kamuzu Barracks (KB) and Mafco face-off in the second leg of the Airtel Top 8.
The two teams played out to a goal-less draw in the first leg at Dedza Stadium two weeks ago.
This is a tricky match for both sides.
For KB, this is a must win match for them to advance to the semi-finals of the cup whereas Mafco just need any scoring draw.
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Both teams will be looking for their first ever appearance in the Airtel Top 8 since the competition was introduced in 2017.
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Interestingly, no military team has won the Airtel Top 8.
However, only Moyale Barracks reached the semifinals of the Airtel Top 8 in 2017 but they lost 3-2 to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers then.
KB and Mafco have shared fortunes in the league this season.
The Chiwoko soldiers (KB) defeated Mafco 1-0 away at Chitowe but the Salima based soldiers won 2-1 at Civo Stadium.
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Surely, it promises to be a thrilling battle between the two brothers-in-arms.
KB Assistant Coach Ted Kalinda knows that this is a tricky tie but said his troops are ready for the close-quarters battle.
“We have done our homework well. This is a must win match for us. There is renewed hope in our camp that we can do it this year,” Kalinda said.
He has all the players available for selection in this afternoon’s match.
Gregory Nachipo, Christopher Ntambo, Herbert Wayekha and Leman Nthala are potential match winners for KB.
Mafco will be hoping to continue with their impressive form in cup matches this year having reached the final of the FDH Bank in which they lost 3-0 to FCB Nyasa Bullets.
The team’s coach Pritchard Mwansa said they will do everything possible to reach the semifinal.
“The players are in high spirits ahead of the match but we need to do everything right to win the match,” Mwansa said.
Mafco have talent in abundance with Stain Malata, Paul Ndlovu, Kingsley Nkhonjera and Dan Chimbalanga among experienced players.
The other matches in the quarterfinals of the Airtel Top 8 will be played next week.
Defending champions Wanderers will host Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium at a date to be announced later as the holders challenged Fam’s executive.
The first leg was abandoned due to a fracas which erupted after referee Godfrey Nkhakananga awarded a controversial goal to Silver in added time.
Silver were declared winners of the match with a 2-0 margin after Wanderers were found guilty for causing abandonment.
Bullets will meet Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium as they have a 2-0 advantage whereas Blue Eagles and Moyale Barracks will also face each other.
The match between Moyale and Eagles ended 1-1 in the first leg at Rumphi Stadium.
