FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Goshen City Dedza Dynamos yesterday sailed through to the last 16 of the Castel Challenge Cup. Blantyre-based Bullets beat Songwe Border United 3-0 at Karonga Stadium while Dynamos saw-off Creck Sporting Club of Lilongwe 3-1 at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji. At Karonga Stadium, Maxwell Gasten Phodo was the toast of the afternoon for the People’s Team after claiming a hat-trick which sent the relegated TNM Super League rookies packing.
Despite the loss, the hosts gave Bullets a good run for their money, but failed to utilise the chances they created, especially in the first half. Bullets took the lead in the eighth minute when Phodo calmly beat Songwe goalkeeper Abraham Mwadenga following a cross from Yamikani Mologeni that was flicked into his path by Ephraim Kondowe. Kondowe had a chance to double the lead in the 24th minute, but he failed to provide the final touch inside the penalty box with only ‘keeper Mwadenga at his mercy.
Songwe had their moments too. Richard Cheyo’s powerful header narrowly missed the target in the 32nd minute and six minutes later, Geoffrey Munthali’s powerful shot narrowly missed the upright. Phodo claimed a brace and Bullets’ second in the 54th minute after being set up by Yamikani Mologeni before completing a hat-trick in the 85th minute following an assist from Chawanangwa Gumbo.
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Bullets interim coach Gilbert Chirwa hailed his charges for their fighting spirit. “The boys played according to our game plan. They fought hard for the victory and I am satisfied,” he said.
Songwe technical director Gift Chilongo blamed the defeat on lapse in concentration. “We lost the plot after conceding the first goal. It was largely due to lack of experience,” he said.
At Aubrey Dimba Stadium, Dynamos were in the comfort zone at recess as they led 2-0. Chikondi Mbeta scored the first goal after 14 minutes before Chifuniro Mpinganjira made it 2-0 just before half time.
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