Mighty Mukuru Wanderers advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Airtel Top 8 following a 4-2 victory over Bangwe All Stars on post-match penalties at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township , Blantyre on Saturday.
The two teams were tied at 1-1 on aggregate.
Bangwe forced the game into penalties after winning the second 1-0 in regulation time thanks to Temitope Ebenezer’s goal which cancelled out Isaac Kaliati’s first leg goal.
But Wanderers goalkeeper William Thole, who was voted man-of-the-match, saved two penalties and scored one for his side as they booked the semifinals spot for the second time in three years.
Thole saved Felix Demakude and Ebenezer penalties. But Kaliati, Samar Tanjong, Thole and Wisdom Mpinganjira scored their spot kicks.
Innocent Msowoya and Clever Chikwata scored their penalties for Bangwe.
After the match, Wanderers coach Meke Mwase said Bangwe gave them a good run for their money.
” We congratulate the boys for the victory. We wanted to win the match in regulation time but we conceded due to some errors. But we are happy that we are in the semifinals and we are ready to face any team,” said Mwase.
On his part, Bangwe coach Trevor Kajawa said it was unfortunate that they exited the Airtel Top 8 .
” We contained them for the better part and we scored the goal which we defended well. Unfortunately, we lost through penalties. But penalties are lotteries and we accept the loss,” Kajawa said.
Wanderers await the winners between Silver Strikers and Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos, who face-off at Dedza Stadium on Sunday.
The Central Bankers are in pole position to progress to the semifinals following 4-1 victory over Dedza at Silver Stadium.
The semifinals line up will be completed next month as defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets meet Civil Service United at Civo Stadium.
Bullets beat Civil 2-0 in the first leg at Kamuzu Stadium. In another quarterfinals second leg, Kamuzu Barracks will be looking to overturn a two- goal deficit against Chitipa United when they meet in the second leg at Civo Stadium.
The semifinals are expected to be played between October 26 and 27 at venues yet to be announced while the final is scheduled for November 3.
