The FDH Bank Cup fair-tale continued on Saturday after Regional League side Raiply caused the first upset following a 5-4 victory over TNM Super League side Chitipa United 5on post-match penalties in Round of 32 match at Karonga Ground.
Since the competition was introduced in 2021, minnows have stunned giants on several occasions.
After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, after Francis Nyirenda scored for Chitipa before Moses Phiri equalised for Raiply, the match went straight into dreaded shoot outs.
Raiply goalkeeper Blessings Chinyama was hero as he saved one penalty to guide his side to the Round of 16 in the competition.
In 2022, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve reached the final but lost to their senior side 3-1 at Kamuzu Stadium.
Last year, Santhe Admarc also made history when they reached the quarterfinals before they lost 5-0 to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Chitipa Coach Christopher Nyambose said luck was not on their side.
“We dominated the match and we created several chances but credit should go to their goalkeeper for making several saves. My players also underrated Raiply but in the end, we got punished,’’ said Nyambose.
Raiply Team Manager Malaki Chirwa praised the players for the win.
“We played as a unit the entire match. We thank management of Raiply for their usual support,’’ said Chirwa.
Meanwhile, Mighty Tigers and Baka City also booked their places in the Round of 16 after registering victories on Saturday.
Tigers exercised the demos that have haunted them for two consecutive years in the FDH Bank Cup following 1-3 away win over Chipiku League Premier Division side Mitundu Baptist at Civo Stadium.
Precious Chipungu scored a brace before Daniel Shadreck netted deep into stoppage time to ensure the Kau-Kau Boys’ progression to the round of 16.
Emmanuel Banda netted the face saver for Baptist.
After the match, Baptist coach Sandtown Nyondo said experience was the difference.
’’We accept defeat after we made some mistake especially at the back. We were jittery due to lack of experience. Our opponents got few chances and utilised them,’’ said Nyondo.
At Mpira Stadium, Geoffrey Mwakyembe’s first half goal was enough as Baka advanced to the Round of 16 following 1- 0 victory over Ndirande Stars.
On Sunday, holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will face Bangwe All Stars in Round of 32 at Kamuzu Stadium. Bullets are the only side to have won the FDH Bank Cup twice since it was introduced in 2021.
In another match on Sunday, Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles face-off at Nankhaka Stadium.
