Mafco Assistant Coach Jimmy Mzunga has said his charges must learn to finish off the game to stand a better chance of impressing in the ongoing FDH Bank Cup.
Mzunga made the remarks after Mafco progressed to the quarterfinals when they beat Blue Eagles 5-3 on post-match penalties at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota District on Thursday.
Mafco were leading before Eagles equalised forcing the game to be decided on spot kicks.
Mzunga said they were relieved to have won having surrendered a comfortable lead.
“We controlled the game but we made some mistakes towards the end of the match which Eagles capitalised on. We will fine tune to avoid repeating the mistakes,” Mzunga said.
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Eagles assistant coach Christopher Sibale accepted defeat.
“Penalties are lotteries. We did our best but we are out of the cup and we have to move on,” Sibale said.
In regulation time, the two teams were tied at 2-2. Mafco goalkeeper Blessings Kameza was the hero when he saved Paul Master’s penalty before Kingsley Nkhonjera scored the decisive penalty for the Salima-based soldiers.
Peter Kasonga, Paul Ndhlovu, Yohane Malunga and Martin Masoatheka scored their penalties for Mafco whereas Sankhani Mkandawire, Macdonald Lameck and Christopher Gototo also converted their spot kicks.
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In regulation time, Mafco gave away a two-goal lead after Mphatso Philimon put the side ahead with a brace.
Philimon scored his first goal of the match in the 75th minute before completing his brace in the 86th minute.
However, Eagles scored two goals in stoppage time to force the game into penalty shoot -out. Christopher Gototo netted in the 92nd minute before Chikondi Mvula pulled Eagles level in the 93rd minute.
The round of 16 matches will continue this weekend with Moyale Barracks hosting Silver Strikers at Mzuzu Stadium whereas Balaka FC will meet holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
