The Standard Bank Knockout Cup quarter-final line-up is now complete following the preliminary round matches that saw Dedza Young Soccer and ‘Mighty’ Be Forward Wanderers move forward.
Interestingly both preliminary matches involving Dedza and Kamuzu Barracks (KB) which was played on Wednesday and Wanderers versus Mafco the following day, were decided through penalty shoot-outs.
Super League rookies Dedza beat KB 10-9 in post-match penalties after they fought out a two-all draw whereas Wanderers saw-off Mafco 4-3 after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Dedza and Wanderers have joined defending champions Silver Strikers, Big Bullets, Moyale, Blue Eagles, Civo United and Red Lions whose qualification was automatic after finishing among the top six in the Super League last season.
In the match between Dedza and KB, Hazwell Gamphani, Matthews Salirana, Chisomo Gillion, Chisomo Mpachika, Amadu Makawa, George Mponda, Fletcher Banda, Wilson Magombo, Wachimwa Sadik and Leonard Matiasi were all on target for Dedza.
World Nkuliwa, Kelvin Malikebu, Harvey Nkacha, Julius Mkwinja, Pilirani Makupe, Dave Banda and Oscar Chapitapansi, Samson Chiponda and Mustapha Hussein converted for KB while Victor Nangwale missed his.
In regulation time, Dedza took the lead through Banda’s well-curled free-kick from over 28 meters in the 17 minute, but Manase Chiyesa equalised for KB in the 23rd minute.
KB made it 2-1 through World Nkuliwa after receiving a fine pass from Harvey Nkacha. However, Dedza levelled the scores through Amadu Makawa through a penalty.
And in the Wanderers, Mafco encounter, Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Stanely Sanudi, Mike Kaziputa and Victor Nyirenda converted for the Nomads whereas Rafiq Mussa missed. Jailos Kapalamula, Maurice Chiumia and Paul Phiri scored their penalties for Mafco whereas Oswald Nkagula’s effort was saved by Wanderers goaltender Richard Chipuwa while captain Zasher Mnong’oneza’s kick hit the post. Dedza will face Civo United while Wanderers date Red Lions in the quarter-finals.