The FDH Bank Cup Round of 16 gets underway this afternoon with four matches lined- up across the country.
The stakes are high as the teams battle for places in the quarterfinals of competition.
The pick of the day is the match between Super League rookies Baka City and Creck Sporting Club at Karonga Ground.
This afternoon’s battle can be likened to wounded Buffaloes as both teams are coming from 2-1 margin loses to Moyale Barracks and Civil Service United respectively in the Super League.
Mzuzu fans will be spoiled with a double header as Lube Masters face Raiply in a lunch hour kick off before Moyale Barracks host MMF Marine later in the afternoon at Mzuzu Stadium.
In Lilongwe Blue Eagles will host fellow Central Regional Football League side Santhe Admarc at Nankhaka Ground.
The Area 30-based side knocked Silver Strikers out of the competition following 5-3 victory on post-match penalties after goal-less stalemate in regulation time.
Eagles coach Elia Kananji has told his players to exercise caution against Santhe.
“We expect a tough match against Santhe. We need to be on top of our game to win the match. Pressure is on us but we are very prepared for the game,” said Kananji.
In this tie, the hosts are favorites but the visitors have potential to cause another upset in the competition for the second consecutive year.
Last year, Santhe eliminated two Super League teams Mighty Tigers and Kamuzu Barracks on their way to the quarterfinals where they lost 5-0 to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Santhe coach Macdonald Matanje has vowed to continue their fairy tale in the competition.
“We are going into the match as underdogs but we have a special plan for them. We are not being intimidated with their unbeaten run,” said Matanje.
Santhe progressed to the round of 16 after beating Simbi FC 2-1 at Aubrey Dimba Ground.
On Sunday, Mighty Tigers will face Civil Service United at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre. The remaining three matches in the round of 16 will be played next week as holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will meet rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium while Iponga have a date against Mafco at Karonga Ground.
The other match will be between Karonga United and Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Ground on July 27.
Bullets have won the competition twice in three years in 2022 and 2023 after Silver won the inaugural edition in 2021
