Mafco booked a spot in the final of the Airtel Top 8 after beating Silver Strikers 3-1 on post-match penalties at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday. In regulation time, the game ended 1-1.
This means Mafco will face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the Airtel Top 8 final, slated to take place at the same venue on January 6.
The Salima-based soldiers scored the equaliser with 12 minutes to full time through Prince Kachere, who had a quiet game, to cancel out Patrick Macheso’s 28th minute opener.
The game went straight to lottery penalties but Mafco were calm and composed throughout.
- Advertisement -
Captain Paul Ndlovu, Aubrey Chafewa and Peter Kasonga converted their spot-kicks whereas substitute Paul Phiri blasted his spot-kick over the bar.
- Advertisement -
On the part of Silver, Chisomo Mpachika and Mark Fodya blasted their spot-kicks over the bar whereas Chikondi Kamanga saw his penalty saved by Mafco goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa. Innocent Shema was the only player who scored the penalty for Silver.
Mafco and Bullets also met in the final of the FDH Bank Cup, in which The People’s Team won 3-0 at the same venue.
However, this will be Mafco’s first Airtel Top 8 final appearance since the inception of the tournament in 2017.
After penalty shootouts, Mafco turned BNS into a parade ground, celebrating the victory.
- Advertisement -
For Silver, they trooped out of the facility crest-fallen. In regulation time, Silver had plenty of chances to bury the game but were too casual.
Striker Atusaye Nyondo hit the post in the second half before player-of-the-match Chimwemwe Idana struck the side net.
Stain Davie fluffed a golden opportunity deep into the second half. Emmanuel Kaunga had a goal ruled out for offside in added time.
In a post-match interview, Silver Coach Pieter de Jongh had no kind words for referee Mischek Juba.
“If you take a look at the game, we played well and we scored a goal but the officiating panel made some bad decisions that cost us the game. The referee and the linesman failed to award us a goal and give a red card to a player for a serious offence. These irregularities will have a negative impact on Malawi football,” the Dutchman said.
On his part, Mafco Coach Pritchard Mwansa praised his troops for the win.
“We are going to plan well for the final. We lost to Bullets but that is water under the bridge,” Mwansa said.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers won the 2022 edition after beating Bullets 5-3 on post-match penalties. The champions will get K17 million plus a trophy whereas the runners-up will get K8 million.
