Attention now shifts to stadiums across the country as teams gear up for the Round of 32 of the Castel Challenge Cup this coming weekend, with Ndirande Stars, Shire Wimbe FC and Airborne Rangers already having secured their places in the Round of 16 following victories in the opening fixtures.
At Nsanje Stadium, Nsanje United were knocked out after losing 4–1 on post-match penalties to Airborne Rangers following a 1–1 draw in regulation time. The hosts made a dream start when Martin Khembo struck in the second minute to give Nsanje United the lead at the break. Airborne Rangers, however, showed resilience in the second half, with Thomas Kashoni equalising six minutes before the hour to force penalties, where the visitors held their nerve.
Ndirande Stars also booked their place in the Round of 32 after edging Red Lions 5–3 on penalties following a tightly contested 1–1 draw at Balaka Stadium. Red Lions, fresh from sealing promotion back to the top flight, opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Calisto Kaliwo. Ndirande Stars responded in the closing stages, with Kondwani Kucheza levelling matters in the 77th minute before converting all their spot kicks to advance.
The only tie settled in normal time was at Rumphi Stadium, where Shire Wimbe FC produced an emphatic 4–0 victory over Chintheche United. Precious Mandiwa opened the scoring in the 26th minute, Sten Mponela doubled the advantage shortly before halftime, and Thathedwa Willard completed the rout with a second-half brace to seal a convincing win.
The competition resumes in earnest this weekend, with three matches scheduled for Saturday, 3 January 2026. Kamuzu Barracks will take on Ntaja Rangers at Champions Stadium, Ntaja United host top-flight side Ekhaya FC at Balaka Stadium, while Lufita United face Karonga United at Chitipa Stadium.
On Sunday, 4 January 2026, five more fixtures will complete the Round of 32 action. Extreme FC welcome defending champions Mighty Wanderers at Aubrey Dimba Stadium, Mafco face Blue Eagles at Champions Stadium, Chilumba Barracks host Mighty Tigers at Chitipa Stadium, Prison United take on Civil Service United at Balaka Stadium, and Homesweeper FC square off against Mzuzu City Hammers in Nkhatabay.
The stage is now set for another thrilling chapter in the Castel Challenge Cup as teams battle for a place in the last 16.
