NRFA FDH Bank Cup National Representative Identified | Malawi 24

Mzuzu-based Lube Masters have reached the national stage of the 2024 FDH Bank Cup after outclassing the Ekwendeni Hardknockers by 3 goals to nil at the Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday.

Both teams struggled in the first 40 minutes, but it was Masters who showed brilliance in added time when Patrick Gama scored after connecting a low pass from the left to give his side the lead. team at the break.

Hardknockers, known as Sikizi, conceded another goal via a good counter-attack just 6 minutes into the second half through Trace Nandolo and when everyone thought it was over, Gama claimed his double in the 84th minute after being left unmarked in the box following a rebound. from the goalkeeper so it ended 3-0.

Ironically, Ekwendeni Hardknockers progressed to the national stage last season despite losing to the same opponents, Lube Masters, but proceeded after the latter was deemed ineligible.

Lube Masters mentor Harlod Phiri says his team is ready for the next round promising to work on the challenges.

“They gave us a good run but we found a way and scoring three goals showed that we are almost there and we are ready to take on any team that might come,” Phiri said after the match.

Matandalizo Kumwenda for Ekwendeni Hardknockers accepted defeat while describing the weather and preparations as some factors contributing to the defeat.

“We controlled the match for the first few minutes but struggled due to the weather as my player's shoes were slippery and our friends were prepared. We now look to prove our point in other cups,” said Kumwenda said.

With this victory, Lube Masters joined Sporting FC, Chintheche United and Chihame All Stars from Nkhatabay, other teams who qualified for the national phase are Raiply from Mzimba and Iponga FC from Karonga who qualified for the third time in a row .