The razzmatazz of the 2024 Castel Challenge Cup continues as four matches have been lined up this afternoon.
Three quarterfinals have been lined up this afternoon as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers face Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium while Karonga United and Mzuzu City Hammers lock horns at Karonga Ground.
Giant killers Chipiku Stores Premier Division side Panthers will hope to continue their fairy-tale when they face Civil Service United at Civo Stadium.
All eyes will be on Panthers having knocked three Super League teams out this year’s competition. The Chipiku Stores side wrote its own piece of history having eliminated Mafco after 5-4 victory on post-match penalties in the round of 64.
They were not done yet as they also eliminated last year’s runners-up and newly crowned TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers after 3-2 win on post-match penalties after 2-2 draw in regulation time in the round of 32.
Panthers added Chitipa United to the list of casualties in the round of 16. But their resolve will come under another test when they face Civil.
Panthers have a score to settle against Civil after they lost 6-0 to Civil in the FDH Bank Cup last year. Coach Andrew Chiphwanya said they are determined to cause another upset.
’’We have beaten three Super League teams on post-match penalties but this afternoon, we want to win in regulation time,’’ said Chiphwanya.
Panthers boast of talent as they have experienced players such as former Blue Eagles striker John Malidadi Jnr and ex Civil midfielder Anold Masamba.
Civil coach Abasi Makawa warned players not to underrate Panthers.
’’We need to exercise caution. We are facing a team which is full of confidence so we need to be on top of our game,’’ said Makawa.
The winners between Civil and Panthers will face Wanderers or Bangwe in the semi-finals.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Wanderers and Bangwe will renew their rivalry this afternoon. The two sides also met in the quarterfinals of the Airtel Top 8 in which Wanderers advanced to the semi-finals following 4-2 victory on post-match penalties after 1-1 on aggregate.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted that Bangwe are a tough nut to crack.
’’We expect a tough match but we are ready for them,’’ said Mpinganjira.
On his part, Bangwe coach Trevor Kajawa said the boys are in high spirits despite being relegated from the TNM Super League.
’’The players know the importance of the match. We will go flat out looking for a win,’’ said Kajawa.
Meanwhile, defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will face Hilltop FC in the round-of-16 a t Mzuzu Stadium. The winners between Bullets and Hilltop will face MMF Marine in the quarterfinals at Dedza Stadium.
