MCHINJI-(MaraviPost)-Mighty Wanderers have advanced to the semifinals of the FDH Bank Cup after edging out Creck Sporting FC 3–2 in a post-match penalty shootout, following a tense goalless draw at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji on Sunday afternoon.
It was a tightly contested encounter, with both teams displaying determination and tactical discipline from start to finish.
Although Wanderers were favourites going into the game, they found it difficult to penetrate Creck’s solid backline, marshalled by Hardy Ng’andu, who received a yellow card in first-half added time.
The Nomads dominated possession early on, with Thierry Sama and Wisdom Mpinganjira coming close to breaking the deadlock.
Sama nearly scored in the 23rd minute with a powerful header that went just over the bar while Mpinganjira’s thunderous long-range effort narrowly missed the far post before halftime.
Creck, however, were not without their moments. George Chaomba almost put them ahead in the 29th minute with a brilliant solo run but his shot was well saved by Wanderers’ goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa.
The first half ended goalless, setting the tone for a cagey second period.
After the break, both sides continued to chase a goal. Wanderers made attacking substitutions, bringing in Promise Kamwendo and later Masiya Manda to inject pace and creativity, while Creck responded by introducing Kondwani Chilembwe and Patrick Macheso to maintain intensity.
As the clock ticked down, the game turned into a midfield battle, with both goalkeepers Khungwa for Wanderers and Brighton Munthali for Creck pulling off crucial saves to keep their teams in contention.
With neither side finding the net after 90 minutes, the match went to penalties.
In the shootout, Wanderers held their composure as Masiya Manda, Promise Kamwendo and Blessings Mwalilino converted their spot kicks.
For Creck, George Chaomba and Frank Phiri scored but misses from Emmance Nyirenda and Ramadan Ntafu proved costly after Khungwa produced two brilliant saves.
Wanderers’ goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa was the hero of the day, guiding his team to a 3–2 penalty victory and a place in the semifinals.
Speaking after the match, Creck Sporting coach Eliya Kananji said it was painful to bow out of the competition but praised his players’ performance, expressing hope that the same level of play in the league would bring positive results.
On the other side, Mighty Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted it was a very tough game and said the most important thing was that his side advanced to the next round of the tournament.
Wanderers will face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in one semifinal, while the other will feature Silver Strikers against Civil Service United.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) will announce the dates and venues for the matches in due course.
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