Be Forward Wanderers survived Red Lions’ big scare on Wednesday to qualify for the quarter finals of the Presidential Cup.
In a scintillating seven-goal thriller played at Kamuzu Stadium, the Nomads led 4-0 at some point, but the Zomba-based soldiers showed characteristic grit to score three goals and, with an ounce of luck, could have levelled the score.
The Nomads scored through Jabulani Linje, Peter Wadabwa (2) and Isaac Kaliati while Peter Makwale, Kumbukani Mwambene and Benesi Kaisi …were on target for Reds.
Epac FC, Mafco and Max Bullets also progressed to the quarter-finals.
Epac beat Dilulu 3-0, defending champions Mafco saw-off Azam Tigers 4-1, while Max Bullets edged wizards 2-1.
Kabwafu ousted Mchengautuwa 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
At Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, Silver Strikers were booted out by Blue Eagles 4-2 on penalties in a regional play-off last round.
This was after the two teams played out a goalless draw in regulation time.
Eagles will now face Nyasa Big Bullets in a quarter-final qualifying match.
Wister Phiri, Gilbert Chirwa, Chisomo Chilasi and Philp Masiye converted for Eagles whereas Lucky Malata and Thuso Paipi scored for Silver.
The villains in Silver camp were Kondwani Mwaila and Clement Trota.
Eagles substitute goalkeeper Chakonda Majanda who replaced John Soko in the 88th minute, was the hero of day after saving
Trota and Mwaila penalties.
Silver coach Lovemore Fazili bemoaned lost opportunities.
“We had lots of chances to kill the game in normal time but could not make use of them. This is painful because penalties are unpredictable, ” said a visibly upset Fazili.
Eagles coach Deklerk Msakakuwona praised God for the win and hailed his charges for their fighting spirit.