Moyale Barracks Advance in Thriller Over Mighty Tigers
In other Cup action, Silver Strikers routed Ekwendeni United 7-1.
MZUZU, Malawi — In an impressive display, Moyale Barracks secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Castel Challenge Cup by defeating Mighty Tigers 3-2 in a thriller at Mzuzu Stadium on Wednesday, writes Victor Musongole.
Both teams started strong in the first half but had difficulty getting clear chances. Tigers goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu made three big saves to keep Moyale off the board.
Just before halftime, Precious Chiudza gave Tigers a 1-0 lead after a good exchange of passes.
In the second half, Tigers were reduced to 10 men after Martin Nsewa received a second yellow card in the 57th minute. But five minutes later, Tigers converted a penalty after a handball in the box to go up 2-0.
The introduction of four Moyale substitutes gave the Tigers defense problems. Gastin Simkonda scored in the 67th minute before assisting Prince Phiri on the equalizer in the 78th.
Simkonda then dramatically scored the winner in stoppage time, after which the expelled Tigers keeper Innocent Nyasulu charged the referee.
“We worked on our mistakes and we brought in more attackers and the tempo of the game,” said Moyale coach Victor Chingoka.
“We urged our players to give their best, and we scored three.”
Tigers coach Christopher Nyambose cited the poor fitness of his players for the two red cards.
“The altitude of my players was not good enough and that first red card cost us the game,” he said.
Simkonda earned Man of the Match honors for Moyale.
In other Cup action, Silver Strikers routed Ekwendeni United 7-1.