The 2021 Airtel Top 8 goes into the third week this weekend as four teams battle for the first two semifinal slots.
Chitowe Stadium in the lakeshore town Dwangwa will be the centre of attraction as its hosts the first two quarterfinal return legs.
Mzuzu based Soldiers Moyale Barracks will be looking forward to protect their precious 1-0 lead from the first leg as they host Be Forward Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.
Moyale hitman Lloyd Njaliwa scored the lone goal at the Nomads back yard Kamuzu Stadium two weeks ago to give the solders an advantage going into the second leg.
Coach Prichard Mwansa said his charges are geared to continue from where they stopped in the first leg.
“We are prepared for this match. We have an advantage already as we are leading, but it is not over yet. We won 1-0 away and they can do the same at our back yard and even punish us more.
“We are happy our top striker Njaliwa got his Flames debut last week and that has boosted his confidence going into this very important match,”said Mwansa.
On the other hand, Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira said: “It was unfortunate we lost at home and if you observe we are the only team that failed to utilize home advantage in the first leg. We have an opportunity here to make things rights and the boys will fight for nothing short of a win and progress to the semifinals.”
Action continues on Sunday when MAFCO hosts Nyasa Big Bullets
Nyasa Big Bullets won the first leg 3-1 two weeks ago at Kamuzu Stadium courtesy of a Babatunde Adepoju’s brace and Hassan Kajoke’s goal while Martin Masoatheka scored Mafco’s consolation goal.
According to FAM Competition’s Director Gomezgani Zakazaka, the away goal and goal aggregate rules will apply and where there is a tie at the end of second leg, post-match penalties will follow to decide the winner.
Zakazaka said the Semifinal draw will be conducted at the half time of the Sunday match.
The last set of Quarterfinal second-leg matches will be played next weekend as Karonga United will host Civo Service United at Karonga Stadium on Saturday while TN Stars and Silver Strikers will wrap the second leg matches at Kasungu Stadium the following day.
