By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, August 2, Mana: Extreme FC Tuesday secured a spot in the 2023 FDH Bank Cup round of 16 after defeating Mbabzi United 1-0 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Mbabzi United had the better first half amassing 12 chances against Extreme FC’s 7.
They were close to breaking the dead lock seconds after kick off when Patrick Joseph directed a cross into the penalty box for Sosten Esau who managed to create space away from goalie Maclean Mwale but drifted too far right to score.
Momentously Mbabzi launched yet another attack, piling pressure on the Super League side however Extreme FC maintained a hold on the game as they tried to unlock the proceedings from their midfield led by Grevin Ng’anjo.
Mbabzi were given a scar when Francis Pukusu’s well curved corner was heading for goal but goal keeper Mpondabasi Mwale tipped it over the bar.
Extreme, kept begging from the corner kicks and in the 25th minute Sanudi Frank’s corner landed at Innocent Chipolopolo’s feet who blasted the effort wide.
Chipiku Premier Division side began the second half on a high note as Tony Moyo grabbed the first chance an effort over the bar.
Esau had the brightest of chances when he had a 1-v-1 moment with the keeper who made himself big to deny the effort.
The well-disciplined Mbabzi, shined the most when defender Mike Chimkwasa consecutively cleared off counter attacks by Babangida Ishaya and Innocent Chipolopolo respectively.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute through Beston Jimu who headed home a Tonny Phiri corner.
Coach for Extreme FC, Elvis Kafoteka expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance while remaining optimistic of their round of 16 tie.
“The players have done well, of course we had moments were we lost concentration, there was a bit of fatigue and you noticed we used our goal keeper Blessings Juma as a second half substitute because most of our usual strikers are nursing injuries,”
“Ahead of the Bullets encounter we know it’s going to be a challenge but we shall be ready since it’s a motivation for our boys to play a team that’s at the top of the Super League,” he said.
Coach for Mbabvi, Justine Waya on the other hand said his team got punished for not maximizing their chances but hopes improvements will be attained as they focus on the Castel Cup and the League.
Extreme FC will play FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe for a spot in the quarter finals.
