Bangwe All Stars Secure Quarterfinal Place with 1-0 Victory against Civil Service United
Bangwe All Stars defeats Civil Service United 1-0, advancing to the quarterfinals of the FDH Bank Cup.
BLANTYRE, MALAWI — In a thrilling encounter at Mpira Stadium, Bangwe All Stars emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Civil Service United in the round of 16 FDH Bank Cup match on Wednesday, writes Happy Valirani.
Robert Saizi's early goal in the 15th minute, after a cross from Yamikani Mologeni, secured the victory for Bangwe All-Stars.
Their solid defensive performance held off Civil Service United's attempts to equalise in the second half.
Expressing his satisfaction, Bangwe All Stars' Team Manager, Steve Madeira, praised his players for following instructions and working hard. Madeira said, "I'm very happy about the win, but I should congratulate my boys for playing according to the instructions. We are through to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory. This is a Cup game, and we need to work hard to do better."
Civil Service United's Head Coach, Oscar Kaunda, accepted the defeat graciously, citing fatigue as a contributing factor.
Kaunda acknowledged his team's efforts, saying, "Congratulations to our opponents, hard luck to us. It wasn't an easy game, and I appreciate my boys for the way they played. We conceded a goal in the first half, and I think it was due to fatigue. We tried to come back into the game in the second half, but things didn't work for us."
In another round of 16 FDH Bank Cup matches played on Wednesday, Dedza Dynamos defeated Ekwendeni Hammers, while Santhe Admarc knocked out Kamuzu Barracks.
According to the draw conducted by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and sponsors FDH Bank, Bangwe All-Stars will face Mafco FC in the quarterfinals, Dedza Dynamos will play against Moyale Barracks, Santhe Admarc will take on the winner between Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Zingwangwa United, and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will meet the winner between Extreme FC and Mbabzi United.
The quarterfinal matches of the 2023 FDH Bank Cup promise to provide more thrilling action as the teams compete for a place in the semifinals.