Sporting FC will host Bangwe All Stars this afternoon at Rumphi Stadium in the FDH Bank Cup 2025 Round of 32, with the winner set to face Kamuzu Barracks in the Round of 16. Kamuzu Barracks sealed their place last weekend after beating Southern Region League side FC Thondwe 3-1.
At Mpira Stadium on Saturday, Zingwangwa United will take on Mbelwa Warriors in an all-lower league clash, with the winners earning a Round of 16 meeting against defending champions Blue Eagles. The Eagles qualified after edging Songwe Border United 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw. Having returned to the Super League after relegation in 2023, Blue Eagles are also holders of the 2024 FDH Bank Cup title.
On Sunday, Nyasa Big Bullets stormed into the Round of 16 with a 5-0 win over Chilumba Barracks at Chitipa Stadium. Babatunde Adepoju stole the show with four goals, while Chawanangwa Gumbo added the other. Babatunde’s strikes came in the 21st, 34th, 57th and 67th minutes, putting him in firm control of the Golden Boot race with four goals, two ahead of Kamuzu Barracks’ John Mchema, who netted twice in their victory over FC Thondwe.
Elsewhere, Karonga United were stunned at home by lower league side Chatoloma ADMARC, who won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Silver Strikers defeated Mighty Tigers 1-0 through Charles Chipala’s 78th-minute goal, while Dedza Dynamos bowed out after a 1-0 home loss to Creck Sporting Club, courtesy of Patrick Mapunza. Creck now face Moyale FC in the Round of 16.
Mzuzu City Hammers also progressed after beating Baka City 7-6 on penalties, having drawn 1-1 in regulation time. They will face Mighty Wanderers, who defeated MAFCO 3-1 at Kamuzu Stadium through goals from Isaac Kaliati, Blessings Singini, and Felix Zulu.
Cup upsets continued as Moyale FC knocked out high-flying Ekhaya FC 2-1 despite Ekhaya’s bright start. Goals from Charles Nkhoma and Raphael Phiri turned the game around after Helmas Masinja’s opener. Meanwhile, Civil Service United advanced 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw against Chitipa United.
The Round of 32 continues with fixtures including Jenda United v FC Shire, Mchinji Villa v Mitundu Baptist, Beck Academy v The Boyz, and a Zomba derby between Prison United and Red Lions.
Looking ahead, the Round of 16 promises thrilling clashes: Prison United/Red Lions v Civil Service United; Beck Academy/The Boyz v Nyasa Big Bullets; Sporting FC/Bangwe All Stars v Kamuzu Barracks; Zingwangwa United/Mbelwa Warriors v Blue Eagles; Creck Sporting Club v Moyale FC; Mchinji Villa/Mitundu Baptist v Chatoloma ADMARC; Mzuzu City Hammers v Mighty Wanderers; and Jenda United/FC Shire v Silver Strikers.
The Round of 16 is set for the second week of September, the semifinals for early October, and the grand final on November 1.
