Kamuzu Barracks booked a semi-final berth against holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets following a 4-3 victory over Chitipa United on post-match penalties at Civo Stadium Sunday.
The two teams were tied 2-2 on aggregate after KB won the quarterfinals’ second leg 2-0. The game went straight into penalties.
KB goalkeeper Hastings Banda was the hero when he saved two penalties before Gift M’bwana scored the winning penalty for the soldiers.
KB converted their spot kicks through M’bwana, Gregory Nachipo, Christopher Ntambo and Sammy Chiponda whereas Hope Namadzunda missed his spot kick.
On the other hand, Chitipa scored their penalties through Fahadi Mcheka, Francis Nyirenda and Lamson Lukali. But Banda saved penalties from Ramadhan Ntafu and Peter Mughogho.
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In regulation time, KB opened the score sheet, after four minutes, through Chiponda from the penalty spot.
However, KB needed an 89th minute goal from Sheriff Maulana to force the tie into penalty shootouts.
KB coach Charles Kamanga said they would not be intimidated with Bullets’ Airtel Top 8 record.
“We are ready for them and our aim is to grab something at the end of the season,” Kamanga said.
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On his part, Chitipa Coach Christopher Nyambose praised his charges for their fighting spirit.
“Congratulations to KB; they beat a very good team. They will also face good teams ahead,” Nyambose said.
In another semi-final match, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will face Silver Strikers.
Wanderers progressed to the semifinals after beating Bangwe All Stars 4-2 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
On the other hand, Silver had an easy ride over Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos after clobbering them 6-2 on aggregate.
Since the inception of the Airtel Top 8 in 2017, Silver and Bullets have won it twice each whereas Blue Eagles and Wanderers have won it once each.
