Nyasa pip KB in penalties to reach quarterfinals of Carlsberg Cup

Nyasa Big Bullets interim Coach Elia Kananji says his charges are now ready to face Mighty Be Forward Wanderers in the TNM super League at the Bingu National Stadium on Sunday after seeing his team reach the quarterfinals of the Carlsberg  Cup on Wednesday.

Speaking to Nyasa Times following his team’s victory over Kamuzu Barracks (KB) in the Carlsberg Cup, the former Wanderers Coach said Wednesday’s clash was a good dress rehearsal for Sunday’s clash.

Bullets had to secure their quarter final berth after post-match penalties.

“You saw the way we fought against KB. People wrote us off having conceded early into the second half. We are happy to progress to the last eight of the Carlsberg Cup and now ready for Wanderes.

“We have a slight advantage going into Sunday’s clash because I know Wanderers. I brought most of their current players and can’t wait to face them at a big stage,” said Kananji.

Kananji also took time to praise the individual brilliance of Mike Mkwate who produced some magic that led to Bullet ‘s comeback into the KB game. Mkwate dribbled pass two KB players before releasing a long shot that hit the crossbar allowing substitute Collen Nkhulambe to tap in from a rebound cancelling a Davie Banda’s strike.

Bullets then went on to win 5-3 through post match penalties with Yamikani Fodya scoring the last spot kick for them.

“I have said this several times that Mkwate is a gem. He is full of energy now and perhaps this is to our advantage as we aim to keep our winning form,” Kananji said.

And speaking to reporters, KB Coach Billy Phambala said complacency towards the end  cost them the game.

“We controlled them throughout but lost our touch towards the end. This was their turning point. They were favorites going into post match penalties having scored late into the game and deserve to  go through,” said Phambala.

Meanwhile, Wanderers Team Manager Steve Madeira who took his charges to watch Bullets play on Wednesday said they are not moved by the result.

“Sunday’s game is different and we are ready for them. We know their weaknesses and hope to continue punishing them. Perhaps we will continue from where we stopped early into the season,” said the flamboyant Madeira.

Wanderer’s Carlsberg Cup match in the round of 16 against MAFCO will be played next week in Balaka.

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