Mzuzu City Hammers produced a dramatic comeback, despite finishing the match with two players sent off, to knock out holders Mighty Wanderers 5-3 on penalties and secure a place in the Castel Cup semifinals.
Mighty Wanderers appeared to be in control after Isaac Kaliati gave the Nomads the lead in the 50th minute, putting the defending champions on course for progression.
The momentum swung further in Wanderers’ favour when Mzuzu City Hammers were reduced to nine men following the dismissals of Mathews Banda and Jimmy Msiska, who were both shown red cards in quick succession by referee Ishmael Chizinga.
However, the Hammers showed remarkable resilience and forced the match to penalties after Hassan Luwembe struck a dramatic equaliser in the final minute of regulation time.
In the shootout, Wanderers’ Stanley Sanudi missed his spot kick, sealing the holders’ exit and sparking celebrations for the northern region side.
Reacting to the defeat, Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira attributed the loss to complacency.
“We appeared too satisfied. We take the blame and must regroup after this painful loss,” he said.
Mzuzu City Hammers assistant coach Lazarus Nyemera described the match as one of the most demanding his side has faced.
“It was a very difficult match. By the 75th minute we had two players sent off, but we managed to reorganise and salvage the win against the holders. We are happy the result went our way,” said Nyemera.
The result sets up a semifinal clash between Mzuzu City Hammers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, while the other semifinal will see Goshen City Dedza Dynamos take on Blue Eagles for a place in the final.
