Battle lines have been drawn in the 2024 FDH Bank Cup as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will face archi-rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the Round of 16 at a date and venue to announced.
The Nomads eased past second -tier side Cobbe Barracks 3-0 at Balaka Stadium on Monday, just a day after Bullets also had an easy passage to the Round of 16 following 5-0 victory over Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium.
Gaddie Chirwa bagged a brace with the other goal coming from Felix Zulu.
Wanderers Goalkeepers’ Trainer Simplex Nthala said the team played according to instructions.
Nthala said the Nomads have set their sights on winning the FDH Bank Cup this season.
“We told the boys to score early goals to unsettle our opponents. The players excuted the game-plan well,” said Nthala.
On his part, Cobbe coach Ruben Kamanga said his side gave Wanderers too much respect in the first half.
“We started slowly in the first half as we gave too much room to Wanderers. There are several positives from the game despite the loss,” said Kamanga.
Elsewhere, TNM Super League rookies Creck Sporting Club booked a place in the Round of 16 after beating FOMO FC 3-1 on post-match penalties at Civo Stadium.
The two teams were tied at 2-2 in regulation time.
Creck goalkeeper Emance Nyirenda was the hero when he saved three penalties from Hassan Luwembe, Happy Phiri and Chimwemwe Nyoni.
Juma Edward, Anorld Kiyama and Frank Phiri netted for Creck while Christopher Phiri scored his penalty for FOMO.
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos booked their place in the Round of 16 after beating Nyambandwe United 3-2 at Kamuzu Stadium.
In another Round of 32 match, Lube Masters advanced to Round of 16 after beating Sporting Club 1-0 courtesy of Raffic Kabwazi’s goal.
On Sunday, Blue Eagles booked their place in Round of 16 following 5-3 victory over Silver Strikers on post-match penalties on Sunday after the match ended goal-less in regulation time.
Moyale Barracks also progressed to the after beating Chintheche United 7-1 at Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday while Karonga United defeated Mzuzu City Hammers 2-1 at Karonga Ground.
Raiply FC are also through to the Round of 16 after beating Super League side Chitipa United 5-4 on post-match penalties following 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
Mighty Tigers and Baka City are also in the Round of 16 of the competition. Tigers beat Mitundu Baptist 3-1 at Civo Stadium while Baka beat Ndirande Stars 1-0 Mpira Stadium.
