By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’ football giants FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC and Silver Strikers FC have opened FDH Bank premium savings accounts in the round of 16 of the MK120 million prestigious cup following their victories on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
The defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC defeated Ndirande Stars FC 4-0 on Wednesday to book their place with goals from Patrick Mwaungulu, Maxwell Gasten and a brace from Hassan Kajoke.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC sailed through into the round in a toughest way as they struggled to defeat second tie Mpondasi United FC 2-0 at Balaka Stadium.
Vincent Nyangulu and Chiukepo Msowoya both came from the bench to secure the desired slot for Nyerere who are coming from a 1-0 loss in the TNM Superleague to Extreme FC in Lilongwe.
In the Capital Lilongwe at Bingu National Stadium, the 2021 FDH Bank cup champions Silver Strikers FC convincingly demolished another second tie side from Machinga Ntaja United FC by 5-0 courtesy of veteran Atusaye Nyondo at 8th minute, Stain Davie, Chimwemwe Idana and a brace from wonder kid Adiel Kaduya.
The three giants take the number of qualifying teams to the round of 16 to seven.
The other teams who have successfully transacted on FDH Bank Ufulu 525 including MAFCO FC who defeated Ekwendeni Hardknockers FC 4-2 at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa on Thursday, Kamuzu Barracks FC soldiers slaughtered Crocodiles of Karonga United FC 2-1 at Karonga Stadium.
Gastin Simkonda and Clifford Chimulambe scored for the Lions of Kaning’ina Moyale Barracks FC against minnows Iponga FC to successfully use FDH Bank Pakhomo at Mzuzu Stadium.
The Mchinji based outfit Extreme FC who reached the semifinals of the cup in last edition, won 5-4 in post match penalties against St.Gabriel Zitha FC after regulation time ended in a super barren draw at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe in a thrilling encounter.
So far no shocking results have been registered in the cup as all the second tie teams have been knocked out by elite teams.
Meanwhile, 22 goals have been scored in day 1 and 2 from 7 games in the round of 32.
The cup returns into action on June 25, 2023 Ekwaiweni Tafika Sports Academy FC hosting Bangwe All Stars FC, with the battle of all rookies between Balaka FC and Chilumba Barracks FC expected to take place at Balaka Stadium.
