Nyasa Big Bullets on Wednesday beat Blue Eagles 5-4 in post-match penalties at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe to qualify for the Presidential Cup quarter-finals.
Bullets’ victory sealed the quarter-final line-up and they will take on Kabwafu.
After playing out a goalless draw in regulation time, referee Mabvuto Msimuko invited the two teams to the dreaded shoot-out.
The first set of penalties saw Pilirani Zonda, Yamikani Fodya, Chiukepo Msowoya and Muhammad Sulumba scoring for Bullets while Gilbert Chirwa, Victor Nyirenda, Gregory Nachipo and Oward Maonga replied for Eagles.
Eagles’ Wister Phiri and Bullets John Lanjesi’s had their spot-kicks saved by goalkeepers Kakhobwe and Chakonda Majanga respectively.
Then there was drama during the sudden death. McFarlen Ngwira’s kick flew over the bar while Eagles’ John Malidadi Jnr’s kick was saved by Kakhobwe.
Then Mike Mkwate misses the next penalty for the People’s Team, but Eagles’ Ackim Kazombo also blasted his over the bar.
Then Bashir Maunde stepped up to convert the next penalty for BB but Enock Likoswe broke Eagles’ hearts Enock Likoswe when his effort was saved by Kakhobwe.
“We did everything we could but it was not our day. Penalties are painful,” said a dejected Eagles coach Deklerk Msakakuona with his head hanged in disappointment.
Bullets team manager Rahim Ishmael admitted it was a tough encounter.
“The victory is more sweet considering how tough it was. We are happy with the win, ” he said.
In other quarter-final matches on Saturday, Epac will host Moyale Barracks at Civo Stadium while Dwangwa face defending champions Mafco at Chitowe.
According to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions manager Gomezgani Zakazaka, dates for the matches involving Max Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers as well as Kabwafu and Bullets will be announced later.