Panthers FC caused yet another upset in the 2024 Castel Challenge Cup as they stunned Civil Service United 4-2 on post-match penalties at Civo Stadium on Wednesday to book a semifinal date against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers this Saturday.
The Chipiku Stores Premier Division side continued with their giant killing act after they also knocked out Silver Strikers, Mafco and Chitipa United in the competition.
They have done it in a special way after beating all the four Super League teams through post-match penalties.
Panthers goalkeeper Precious Masamba was the hero when he saved two penalties for his side from Moses Banda and Festus Duwe before Geoffrey Sumani scored the decisive penalty.
Anold Masamba, Vincent Mark and Happy Kasamba also scored for for Panthers while Chifundo Ngapemba and Blessings Malinda converted their penalties for Civil.
Panthers coach Innocent Mkandira felt his boys deserved the victory.
“Our mission is to reach the final of the Cup. We know teams underrate us but we are Panthers,” said Mkandira.
On his part, Civil coach Abasi Makawa was disappointed with the result and said his players missed a lot of chances.
“We created a lot of chances to win the game but unfortunately we missed them. We accept the defeat and move on,” said Makawa.
Elsewhere, Wanderers produced a solid performance as they hammered Bangwe All Stars 5-0 in another quarterfinal match at Kamuzu Stadium.
Clement Nyondo took matters into his own hands when he scored a hattrick while Mischek Botoman and Cameroonian striker Samma Tanjong scored one goal each.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira praised the players for the win.
“The performance was very good. We are now in the semifinals and we will plan well for the next game,” said Mpinganjira.
In another match, Mzuzu City Hammers also progressed to the semifinals of the Castel Challenge Cup following a 3-1 victory over Karonga United on post-match penalties at Karonga Ground.
Isaac Msiska , Isaiah Nyirenda and Chinonso Promise scored for Hammers while Eric Kaonga missed his penalty.
Blessings Mwalilino scored for Karonga but Ellie Kayombo, Allen Chihana and Robert Luhanga missed their penalties.
Hammers will face the winners between MMF Marine and holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets who play in the last quarterfinal on Saturday in the semifinals.
Bullets advanced to the quarterfinals after beating non-league side Hilltop FC 1-0 at Mzuzu Stadium. Ephraim Kondowe scored the only goal of the match.
