Defending champions Mighty Wanderers registered the most emphatic result of the Castel Challenge Cup action so far this weekend, dismantling Extreme FC 6–0 to secure their place in the Round of 16.
Isaac Kaliati opened the scoring in the 10th minute before further goals from Blessings Mwalilino and an own goal by Limbani Kalumba gave the Nomads a commanding halftime advantage. The dominance continued after the break, with Muhammad Sulumba, Adam Wallace and Promise Kamwendo completing the rout.
Speaking after the match, Kaliati said the team’s focus was on maintaining intensity regardless of the opposition.
“We respected our opponents but stayed disciplined and clinical. The message was to take our chances and keep pushing until the final whistle,” he said.
In the Round of 16, Mighty Wanderers will face the winner between Moyale Barracks and Bangwe All Stars.
Elsewhere, Blue Eagles secured a narrow away victory after Pius Saka scored the lone goal in a hard-fought win over Mafco at Champions Stadium. The result sets up a Round of 16 clash between the Area 30 outfit and Airborne Rangers.
Civil Service United also progressed after edging Prison United 4–2 on post-match penalties following a goalless draw. They will now meet Mighty Tigers, who cruised past Chilumba Barracks with a 4–0 win, inspired by a brace from Mathews Sibale.
In the Northern Region, Mzuzu City Hammers advanced with a convincing 5–2 victory over Homesweepers and will face either Silver Strikers or Namitete Zitha in the next round.
Kamuzu Barracks were also in ruthless form on Saturday as Francis Mchema struck a hat-trick to eliminate Ntaja Rangers at Champions Stadium. The Yellow Submarines will next face the winner between Chitipa United and Bereu Giants.
At Balaka Stadium, Ekhaya FC held their nerve to defeat Ntaja United 4–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw in regulation time. The Cow Boys will now take on Shire Wimbe.
Penalties again proved decisive at Chitipa Stadium, where Karonga United beat Lufita United 4–1 following a 1–1 draw. Karonga will meet either Creck Sporting Club or Goshen City Dedza Dynamos, who are yet to play.
Meanwhile, Ndirande Stars have secured a place in the Round of 16 and will face either Songwe Border or FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, whose fixture will be played later.
