Songwe Border United are confident of causing an upset in Castel Challenge Cup Round of 32 this afternoon as they host heavyweights FCB Nyasa Bullets at Karonga Stadium. The Karonga-based side’s assistant coach Edwin Kaonga yesterday said success in the national cup competition could be a huge relief after being relegated from the TNM Super League and they will fight like wounded Buffaloes to get what they want. This season, Songwe have already lost twice to Bullets, including a 3-1 beating in the Super League last August but Kaonga believes they can turn the tables with the backing of home support.
“We know Bullets are giants but we are determined to live our dream. We are playing at home, where our players are motivated by the support from our fans,” he said. “After being relegated from the Super League, winning this cup could be a huge relief and we will do our best to secure victory at home this Sunday.” But Bullets interim head coach Gilbert Chirwa said his charges understand the importance of their away match and they are prepared to give their all.
“The boys are ready for the challenge and they know what is required of them both physically and mentally. We are prepared to step up in what promises to be a demanding cup tie away from home,” he said. Chirwa said his team will deliver despite the absence of their top scorer in all competitions this season Nigeria-born Babatunde Adepoju, who has left the club at the expiry of his two-year loan spell from South Africa’s Venda FC.
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“Babatunde has been a key player for us. Ofcourse, we will miss him but we have played without him before. Other strikers will step up.
The best way to honour his contribution to the club is to win in Karonga,” he said. Bullets are one of the most successful teams in Castel Challenge Cup as they were the inaugural champions in 2023 and settled for a semi-final finish in the last edition. Winner of this afternoon’s match will progress to Round of 16 to face Blantyre-based lower league side Ndirande Stars. In another Round of 32 match today, Creck Sporting Club will welcome Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji.
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