For all the early promises, Silver Strikers free fall continued when they exited the 2023 FDH Bank Cup following a 10-9 post-match penalties loss to Moyale Barracks as the two teams tied at 1-1 in regulation time at Mzuzu Stadium Sunday.
This is Silver’s second consecutive defeat, having lost 1-0 to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in a TNM Super League encounter at Kamuzu Stadium on Thursday.
Moyale have joined Mafco and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Mafco became the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals after beating Blue Eagles 5-3 on post-match penalties on Thursday following a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.
Bullets kept their FDH Bank Cup defence alive after beating Balaka FC 3-0 at Balaka Stadium.
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At Mzuzu Stadium, the match was decided through post-match penalties.
Youngster Tatenda M’balaka was the villain for the Central Bankers after Macdonald Harawa saved his spot kick just moments after Lovemore Jere had scored his penalty kick.
Mphatso Kasonga, Maneno Nyoni, Brown Magaga, Innocent Botoman, Clifford Chimulambe, Walusungu Mdoka, Clifford Fukizi, Harawa, Ntopijo Njewa converted their penalties.
But Silver goalkeeper Charles Thom saved Gastin Simkonda’s penalty.
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On the part of Silver, Mark Fodya, Atusaye Nyondo, Chisomo Mpachika, Chisinsi Maonga, Nickson Mwase, Innocent Shema, Chikondi Kamanga, Thom and Maxwell Paipi converted their penalties.
After a barren first half, Fodya broke the deadlock, putting Silver ahead from a free-kick in the 61st minute of the match, beating goalkeeper Harawa.
However, veteran striker Simkonda pulled Moyale level when he controlled a pass from Magaga before firing into the net beyond Thom.
Silver were without Chimwemwe Idana, Patrick Macheso and Emmanuel Kaunga due to injury.
Moyale Coach Nicholas Mhango praised the players for the win.
“I am happy that the players showed great character,” he said.
Silver Coach Pieter de Jongh was disappointed with the result.
“It was a tough match but penalties are a lottery,” he said.
At Balaka Stadium, Patrick Mwaungulu, Nickson Nyasulu and Hassan Kajoke were on target for Bullets.
Balaka Coach Richard Koloko accepted defeat.
“We were not offensive in attack but we have accepted the result,” he said.
