The semi-finals list of the 2024 FDH Bank Cup is now complete after pulsating quarterfinals played on Saturday and Sunday.
Holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Blue Eagles advanced to semifinals after registering victories in their respective matches on Sunday.
Bullets earned a hard fought 1-0 victory against Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre while Eagles, the only second-tier side in the last four, eased past Baka City 3-0 at Karonga Ground.
This means Bullets will face Moyale Barracks in the semifinals after the Mzuzu based soldiers defeated Lube Masters 2-1 at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday while Eagles will meet Karonga United.
The Crocodiles of Karonga defeated last year’s runners-up Mafco by the similar margin at Chitowe Stadium on the same day.
Substitute Precious Phiri scored a last gap winner for Bullets as they kept their FDH Bank Cup title defence dream alive.
The match between the two sides was destined for dreaded penalty shootouts but Phiri, who came on for Stanley Biliat showed composure when he beat Civil goalkeeper Rahman John in the 95th minute.
The defeat was a bitter pill for Civil as they thought they had done enough to send the games into penalties. However, Civil were reduced to ten men after Charles Mafaiti was sent off for second yellow card towards the end of the match.
Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa admitted it was one of the toughest games this season.
“The opponents played well and they were solid in each and every department . Unfortunately, they lost concentration in the dying minutes and we got the important goal,” said Pasuwa.
Civil assistant coach Wilson Chidati said his charges were unfortunate to concede in dying minutes.
“It is a very painful defeat for us but it happens in football. It is part of the game,” said Chidati.
At Karonga Stadium, Schumacher Kuwali scored a brace while Paul Master scored the other goal as Eagles fairly tale in the FDH Bank Cup continues.
Eagles coach Elia Kananji said his charges have sets their sights on winning the competition for the first time since it was introduced.
“The target is to win the FDH Bank Cup. We want to prove that despite playing in Chipiku League, we are a strong team,” said Kananji.
On his part, Baka coach Kondwani Mwalweni was not disappointed with the result.
“After the first goal, we tried to come back into the game but my players were frustrated by the second goal,” said Mwalweni.
Apart from Bullets, the three other teams have never won the FDH Bank Cup since its inception in 2021.
