…..Eagles 2-1 Ekas
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Eagles from Mbalangwe Hills,soared high into the 2024 FDH Bank Cup round of 32 following their 2-1 thumping of Ekas Freight Wanderers at Civo Stadium on Saturday.
The former Jomo Cosmos star,Micium Mhone started it off in the 43rd minute into the first half,he connected well a delicious delivery from right frank by prolific midfielder, Gilbert Chirwa.
Captain Schumacher Kuwali extended the Policemen lead in 60th minute from a Tonic Viyuyi’s set through ball.
Resilient Ekas Freight Wanderers scored their consolation goal through their on fire attacker, Jairos Malata in the 72 minute capitalizing on goalkeeper Chakonda Majanga’s under pressure who parried Wongani Nyirenda’s shot within his area before Malata took a rebound.
The match started by observing one minute of silence in respect of the late state Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others who died on a plane crash in Chikangawa forest.
Both teams started the match on a high note though Eagles attacked more in the final third of the visitors unlike Ekas.
With just 4 minutes into the game Micium Mhone had a chance to put Eagles ahead as he was found alone in the box but skied the ball up.
Adam Phiri for Ekas replied with a beautiful free kick that missed the cross bar with an inch in the 16th minute into the game.
As the first half progressed, the game was characterized with tempers from both sides resulting in physical play and many stoppages.Schumacher Kuwali who did not come for the party failed to control the ball in the box until it zoomed out for a goal kick missing another clear chance.
Joseph Malizani, head coach for Ekas, made changes to get more goals,he brought on Wongani Nyirenda who replaced Yamikani Chirwa as Medson Soko paved a way for Werani Kalua.
Blue Eagles replied by introducing Blessings Malemia, Trouble Banda and Ranken Mwale for Schumacher Kuwali, Micium Mhone and Laurent Banda.
Andrew Juvinala nearly scored a third goal for Eagles from a well taken free kick which was cleverly saved by Ekas goalkeeper Joseph Fulawo.
Following the changes,Ekas ignited fire and kept pressing Eagles in their own half but lacked that killer punch to get an equalizing goal until the last whistle came and it was confirmed that the Eagles from Mbalangwe hills soared high in the round of 32 of the FDH Bank Cup 2024 edition.
In his reaction Blue Eagles coach Eliah Kananji accepted Ekas gave them a tough run, “It was a cracker but I have to thank my boys for the deservingly victory. It was a brotherly battle as most of these players stay together in area 25.
“Our goal is to soar high in the cup up to the final and this is the way as we can’t just sail through without passing these tests. We have to keep winning”, said Kananji.
Joseph Malizani head coach for Ekas Freight Wanderers acknowledged the defeat saying they made errors in the first half by defending more instead of attacking. He hailed the changes he made that it paid dividend. The former TN Stars coach added that their focus now will be on the league.
Blue Eagles victory completed the list of the five teams which will represent central region in the round of 32,other teams who already qualified are;Santhe ADMARC from Kasungu, Simbi FC from Mchinji,Ntcheu Warriors from Ntcheu and Mitundu Baptist from Lilongwe.
The following six teams qualified from the northern region including Iponga from Karonga, Raiply FC from Mzimba, Lube Masters from Mzuzu, Sporting FC from Mzuzu, Chihame All Stars and Chintheche United both from Nkhata Bay.
