The stage is set and the battle lines are drawn.
Thrilling packed-action awaits football lovers this weekend in the quarterfinals of the 2024 prestigious FDH Bank Cup.
The stakes are high as the eight teams’ battle for places in the last four of the competition.
Last year’s beaten finalists MAFCO FC will take on Karonga United at Chitowe Ground on Saturday. It is a tasty clash to look forward to this weekend.
Straight from 1-0 victory over second-tier side Iponga in the Round of 16, the Salima based soldiers face familiar opponents Karonga.
Mafco might have a spring in their step heading into the quarterfinal tie after beating Karonga 2-0 in the league match this season.
On the other hand, Karonga will be hoping for a revenge.
Both teams drew their midweek matches in the league.
The hosts drew 2-2 against Civil Service United while Karonga registered a 1-1 draw against Mzuzu City Hammers.
Mafco assistant coach Jimmy Mzunga was optimistic of qualifying for the semi-finals of the competition.
’’Our preparations have gone well and the players are ready for the match. We are not underrating Karonga because they are a very good team,’’said Mzunga.
Karonga coach Oscar Kaunda said his side is aiming nothing short of a victory against Mafco.
’’Everybody is ready for the game. We know that it will be a tough one as Mafco are hard nut to crack especially away games but we are ready for the battle,’’ said Kaunda.
In another match on Saturday, Lube Masters will take on Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium.
Masters reached the quarterfinals after beating fellow second-tier side Raiply FC 5-4 on post-match penalties.
The match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Masters coach Harold Phiri said his boys are ready to cause an upset in this year’s competition.
’’We are going into the match as underdogs so pressure will be on Moyale. We will play our normal game and we have nothing to lose,’’ said Phiri.
Moyale coach Pritchard Mwansa, who was in charge of Mafco when they lost 3-0 to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the final at BNS, said they will not underrate Masters.
’’We need to exercise caution in this match. If we lose concentration, we will get punished,’’ said Mwansa.
The semi-finals list will be complete on Sunday as holders Bullets host Civil at Kamuzu Stadium while Baka City take on Blue Eagles at Karonga Stadium.
“Everybody is ready.”
Oscar Kaunda
Karonga Coach
