Iponga FC coach Edwin Kaonga has vowed to cause another upset in this year’s FDH Bank Cup when his side hosts last year’s runners up Mafco at Karonga Ground on Saturday.
The Simso outfit stunned another military side Kamuzu Barracks 1-0 in the Round of 32 at Civo Stadium.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, Kaonga said his boys are motivated playing against another military side.
’’We are not intimidated playing against Mafco at our own backyard. The players have the feeling that anything is possible in football,’’ said Kaonga.
On the other hand, the Salima-based soldiers will be hoping to replicate last year’s form which saw them finishing as runners-up after 3-0 loss to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Bingu National Stadium.
Mafco coach Jimmy Mzunga said playing against minnows is always tricky.
’’It is a tricky match for us but we are ready for any challenge,’’ said Mzunga.
Five teams Civil Service United, Blue Eagles, Lube Masters, Baka City and Moyale Barracks already booked their places in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Civil defeated Mighty Tigers 4-2 on post-match penalties after 1-1 in regulation time at Mpira Stadium. Eagles progressed to the quarterfinals after beating Santhe Admarc 4-2 on post-match penalties after goal-less in regulation time while Masters defeated Raiply FC 5-4 on post-match penalties after 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Moyale defeated MMF Marine 4-1 in the Round of 16 at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday while Baka beat Creck Sporting Club 1-0 at Karonga Ground.
The quarterfinals list will be completed on Sunday as Karonga United host Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos on Sunday at the same venue. The pick of this Sunday is the Blantyre derby between holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium.
Since it was introduced in 2021, Bullets have won the FDH Bank Cup twice in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, they defeated their Reserve Side 3-1 in the final at Kamuzu Stadium before 3-0 victory over Mafco at Bingu National Stadium last year.
