FDH Bank Cup: Extreme survive Zitha scare to reach round of 16
.……Extreme 5 (0)-(0) 4 Zitha
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a thrilling encounter on Wednesday, the 2022 FDH Bank Cup semifinalist, Extreme FC, narrowly escaped defeat against lower division side, St. Gabriel Zitha FC, as the match went into a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
The match kicked off with Extreme FC, hailing from Mchinji, taking the early initiative.
However, despite dominating play, they struggled to find the back of the net, with Beston Jimu, Gregory Mwase, and Justice Honde lacking precision in front of goal.
The first half ended goalless, with the home team continuing to assert their dominance.
The second half witnessed a shift in momentum as St. Gabriel Zitha FC, a premier division league side, seized control and launched relentless attacks in search of goals.
However, their forwards lacked composure when it mattered most.
Zitha’s Evance Pangani had a golden opportunity to score but missed, sending the ball wide, with Extreme FC goalkeeper MacLean Mwale beaten.
The Namitete Premier League outfits also squandered chances through Maxwell Mangwere and Amadu Makawa.
The match saw two players receive red cards: Chifundo George of Extreme FC and Alick Levious of Zitha.
After 90 minutes of regular time and added time, the teams faced the nerve-wracking prospect of a penalty shootout.
Beston Jimu, John Chalamanda, Levson Gapani, and Frank Sanudi successfully converted their spot kicks for Extreme FC, with Francis Black taking the decisive penalty.
For St. Gabriel Zitha FC, Amadu Makawa, Jafali Mpelera, Kondwani Nyirenda, and Mathews Mtalakwesa scored from the spot, while Posiano Sam’s kick was saved by MacLean Mwale, securing Extreme FC’s place in the round of 16.
In another match at Kamuzu Stadium, defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC defeated Ndirande Stars FC 4-0, courtesy of goals from Patrick Mwaungulu, a brace from Hassan Kajoke, and Maxwell Gasten.
Moyale Barracks FC emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Iponga FC from Karonga, with veteran Gastin Simkonda scoring in the 6th minute and Clifford Chimulambe netting the second in the 9th minute.
Karonga United FC suffered a 2-1 defeat at home in Karonga Stadium against Kamuzu Barracks FC, with Josiah Duwa scoring for the hosts and Kelvin Hanganda and Chimwemwe Chisambi finding the net for the soldiers.
On Thursday, Silver Strikers FC face Ntaja FC at Bingu Stadium, Mpondas FC will play against Mighty Wanderers FC at Balaka Stadium, and MAFCO FC will host Ekwendeni Hardknockers FC at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa.
