AIRTEL TOP 8 SEMIS LINE UP COMMPLETE

By Nganati Wa Nganati

The semifinals line up for the 2024 Airtel Top 8 is now complete as Kamuzu Barracks booked the last slot on Sunday after beating Chitipa United 4-3 on post-match penalties.

The two teams were tied at 2-2 on aggregate.

The KB soldiers forced the tie  into penalties after 2-0 victory over Chitipa having lost the first leg first leg by the similar margin.

KB goalkeeper Hastings Banda was the hero when he saved two penalties for Chitipa.

Gift M’bwana scored the winning penalty. Apart from M’bwana, KB converted the other spot kicks through  Gregory Nachipo, Christopher Ntambo and  Sammy Chiponda whike Hope Namadzunda missed his spot kick.

Fahadi Mcheka, Francis Nyirenda and Lamson Lukali scored their  penalties for Chitipa while  Banda saved penalties from Ramadhan Ntafu and Peter Mughogho.

KB broke the deadlock inside four minutes from the penalty spot through Chiponda who sent Chitipa goalkeeper the wrong way.

The soldiers scored the second the 89th minute through Sheriff Maulana.

In post match interview, KB coach  Charles Kamanga was impressed with the result of the match.

Kamanga said they are ready to face Bullets in the semifinals.

” We will prepare well for the semifinal against Bullets and we will do well,” said Kamanga.

On his part, Chitipa coach Christopher Nyambose though disappointed with the loss, said the players played well against KB.

“Congratulations to KB and I wish  them very well. They have beaten a very  good team. We played well but KB utilised their physical presence,”said Nyambose.

In another semi-final, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will face Silver Strikers.

Wanderers progressed to the semifinals after beating Bangwe All Stars 4-2 on post match penalties after 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.

On the other hand, Silver had an easy ride over Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos after clobbering them 6-2 on aggregate.