Blue Eagles survived Santhe Admarc scare as they advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2024 FDH Bank Cup following 4-2 victory on post-match penalties after a scintillating match ended goal-less in regulation time at Nankhaka Stadium.
Santhe were hoping to replicate their 2023 giant killing instinct when they knocked out two Super League sides Kamuzu Barracks and Mighty Tigers.
The Eagles showed great composure in the penalty shootouts.
Micium Mhone, Andrew Juvinala, and Ganizani James and Jacob Robert scored their penalties for Eagles, who are unbeaten in all competitions this season.
Chikumbutso Sabilika and Mavuto Gondwe scored for Santhe but Jason Yosophati saw his penalty hits the post before Joshua Waka saved Yona Mjogo’s penalty.
Eagles coach Elia Kananji admitted that Santhe gave his charges a good run for their money.
“It was a good game as both teams played well. My boys lacked composure and we could have won burried the game in regulation time,” said Kananji.
Santhe coach MacDonald Matanje said luck was not on his side.
” We contained them for the entire 90 minutes but penalties are lotteries so we accept it. It was not our day and we move on,” said Matanje.
At Mzuzu Stadium, Moyale Barracks also advanced to the next round after 4-1 victory over MMF Marine.
Emmanuel Allan was the hero when he scored scored a hat trick to take his goal tally to seven in the competition after he netted four goals in the Round of 32 against Chintheche United.
Luke Chima scored the other goal for Moyale while Montfort Khamula scored the consolation for Marine.
In another Round of 16 match, Baka City booked a spot in the quarterfinals after beating Creck Sporting 1-0 at Karonga Ground.
Lupakisho Mwakazingo scored the lone goal of the match in the second half.
In a lunch hour kick off at Mzuzu Stadium, Lube Masters beat Raiply FC 5-4 on post-match penalties following 1-1 draw in regulation time.
FDH Bank Cup Round of 16 action will continue on Sunday as Mighty Tigers host Civil Service United at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
The quarterfinals set will be completed next week as holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers face-off at Kamuzu Stadium.
Karonga United will host Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Ground while Iponga will meet Mafco at the same venue on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
