Mafco through to quarter-finals of Carlsberg Cup

Salima based military outfit, Mafco FC, are through to the quarterfinals of the Carlsberg Cup after thrashing fellow soldiers Moyale Barracks 2-1, in a thrilling match played on Saturday at Mzuzu Stadium.

Captain for Moyale Barracks, Gastin Simkonda, was the first to shoot at goal 9 minutes into the game, from a free kick which was well dealt by goalkeeper Frank Kansiyamo.

Mafco replied a minute later through Richard Mbulu’s powerful shot which went over the cross bar. Simkonda was again the first to go into referee Dennis Ngulube’s book when he received a yellow card after a crude tackle on a Mafco player in the 10th minute.

Physic crept much into the game by both sets of players resulting in frequent free kicks and a second yellow card to Zasha Mnong’oneza of Mafco FC in the 23rd minute for a foul on Zondiwe Munthali.

In the 41st minute, a well taken corner by Bernard Harawa of Mafco was fumbled by goalkeeper Juma Chikwenga, gifting striker Stain Malata a chance to tap the ball into the net with his right foot. 1-0 Mafco led.

Extra pressure by Mafco after 45 minutes forced defender Boyboy Chima to handle the ball in the box, forcing FIFA referee Dennis Ngulube to award the visitors a penalty. Paul Phiri made no mistake in converting from the spot kick.

Moyale’s consolation goal came 2 minutes in the added time to the first 45 through another penalty by Gastin Simkonda when he was brought down by defender Vitumbiko Phiri. It was Moyale Barracks 1 and Mafco 2 at recess.

The second half saw both teams working very hard to get the ball into the back of the net but it never happened.

Mafco’s danger man Richard Mbulu zigzagged his way through the Moyale defence in the 61st minute but goalkeeper Juma Chikwenga read him well and saved his shot brilliantly.

Sandress Munthali and Chrispin Fukizi had their shots well stopped by the keeper for Mafco. After 9 minutes of added time from the normal 90, the game ended 2-1 in favour of Mafco.

“This is sweet victory. My boys had the fighting spirit and were disciplined as usual. We will plan accordingly for the quarterfinal game so that we proceed to the semis,” explained Daniel Gulaimfa, team manager for Mafco FC, after the game.

On his part, Moyale Barracks coach Collins Nkuna said; “We failed to utilize a good number of chances that we created. Yes, we are out of the Carlsberg Cup and our focus will now be chasing the title in the TNM Super League.”

Mafco will next meet Nyasa Big Bullets in the quarterfinals. The Bullets overcame city rivals Azam Tigers by a single goal which was scored by Mussa Manyenje.

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