Mafco FC Edges Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 1-0 in Thrilling FDH Bank Cup Semi-Final
The 2023 FDH Bank Cup semi-final features FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Dedza Dynamos, and Mafco FC vying for a spot in the final.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— In a heart-pounding showdown at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday, Mafco Football Club emerged victorious over Mighty Mukuru Wanderers with a 1-0 scoreline in the first semi-final clash of the 2023 FDH Bank Cup, earning their ticket to the FDH Bank Cup "Pachema" final, writes Happy Valirani.
Paul Ndhlovu became the hero of the match when he netted the decisive goal in the 14th minute, securing Mafco's place in the final. Ndhlovu's standout performance also earned him the coveted title of Player of the Match.
Mafco FC will now eagerly await the outcome of the second semi-final match between defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Dedza Dynamos, scheduled for September 24, 2023. The winner of that match will face Mafco in the FDH Bank Cup final.
For the Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, this semi-final defeat marks another missed opportunity to reach the pinnacle of the FDH Bank Cup, a feat they have not achieved since the tournament's inception in 2021.
Mark Harrison, the head coach of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, graciously accepted the loss, citing his team's inability to create scoring opportunities as the key factor.
Harrison remarked, "We didn't create enough chances. We gave away a silly goal on a set piece, which we should never have conceded. Officially, in the second half, we tried to come back into the game, but we could not create scoring chances."
In stark contrast, Mafco FC's coach, Prichard Mwansa, couldn't hide his joy at reaching the FDH Bank Cup final.
Mwansa acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Wanderers but emphasised his team's determination to seize the coveted FDH Bank Cup.
He stated, "I'm very happy that we are in the final of FDH Bank Cup. It wasn't an easy game because everyone was looking forward to the final. As Mafco, we are looking forward to grabbing this FDH Bank Cup."
Sponsors of the FDH Bank Cup, FDH Bank, expressed their satisfaction with the competition's progress this year.
Leonard Chimchere, FDH Bank's Senior Marketing Manager, commended the thrilling football displayed throughout the tournament, from the regional stages to the semi-finals.
Chimchere shared, "We are very happy as sponsors of FDH Bank Cup because customers and football lovers are watching exciting football, starting from the regional stages up to the semi-final stage. We witnessed an exciting first semi-final today between Wanderers and Mafco. We are looking forward to another semi-final between Bullets and Dedza, and we are also looking forward to seeing who will win the Cup."
As the football world eagerly anticipates the forthcoming semi-final clash between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Dedza Dynamos, the stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the 2023 FDH Bank Cup, with Mafco FC waiting to stake their claim for glory in the final showdown