Combination of hard work and determination was the difference as Blue Eagles caused another upset in the 2024 FDH Bank Cup following a 5-3 victory on post-match penalties before a huge crowd at Nankhaka Stadium Sunday.
The match, which kept the huge crowd on the edge of their seats for the better part of it, ended goal-less in regulation time.
But it was Central Region Chipiku Premier Division side Eagles who advanced to the round of 16 at the expense of Silver.
Innocent Shema, just a week after helping Silver beat Civil Service United 2-0 in a Lilongwe derby, was the villain when Joshua Waka saved his penalty.
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Thereafter, Lanken Mwale stepped up and calmly converted the winning spot kick, sending Silver goalkeeper Charles Thom the wrong way
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The Area 30 arena turned into a theatre of celebration for the Eagles as Silver trooped out of the facility crest-fallen.
This is Silver’s first defeat in all competitions under the tutelage of Peter Mponda.
Micium Mhone, Andrew Jovinala, Ganizani James, Jacob Robert and Mwale of Eagles converted their penalties whereas Maxwell Paipi, Chimwemwe Idana and Nickson Mwase scored for Silver.
Despite playing in the second-tier league, Eagles came out guns blazing from the word go and took the match to the visitors.
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Eagles were first on the ball for the better part of the match and created some chances but lacked a killer punch upfront.
On the other hand, Silver did not turn up to the party as they were too slow on the ball and were fortunate to keep a clean sheet for the entire 90 minutes.
Eagles captain Schumacher Kuwali had the best chance of the match when he was put through by Mhone but his effort went wide, to the disbelief of the crowd.
Moments later, Kuwali came back but Thom was equal to the task.
Silver also had opportunities during the match, with forward and substitute Stain Davie heading over the bar when he had a clear view of the goal.
After the game, Eagles Coach Eliya Kananji praised the character of his players.
“It was a tough match but the players showed great character. This is sweet revenge for us. We need to guard against complacency,” Kananji said.
Mponda admitted that his charges did not come to the party.
“It is a painful result. I am very disappointed with the result and the performance. We did not do enough to win the game against Eagles,” Mponda said.
At Kamuzu Stadium, holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets started their FDH Bank Cup defence on a high after thrashing Bangwe All Stars 5-0 to progress to the round of 16.
This is Bullets’ first win in four consecutive matches.
Patrick Mwaungulu and Chikumbutso Salima scored a brace each whereas Nigerian striker Babatunde Adepoju scored the other goal.
Bullets will wait for the winners of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Cobbe Barracks, who clash in the round of 16 at Balaka Stadium today.
Relief was the prevalent emotion after the final whistle.
“We came good in the second half and the boys got the goals. This is a motivation to the team,” Pasuwa said.
Bangwe Coach Rodgers Yasin said his side lost concentration in the second half.
“We did well in the first half but relaxed in the second half,” Yasin said.
Elsewhere, Moyale Barracks also advanced to the round 16 following a 7-1 victory over Chintheche United at Mzuzu Stadium.
Emmanuel Allan scored four goals whereas Charles Nkhoma, Prince Phiri and Chifundo Damba each scored a goal. Kondwani Jere scored the facesaver for United.
Karonga United also progressed to the round of 16 following a 2-1 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers at Karonga Ground.
Blessings Mwalilino scored a brace whereas Wongani Lungu was on target for Hammers.
