By Innocent Manda
Silver Strikers stormed into the FDH Bank Cup quarter-finals after thrashing Shire FC, formerly Panthers FC, 41 in a round-of-16 clash played at Civo Stadium on Thursday.
The Bankers dominated the match from start to finish, with Binwell Katinji stealing the spotlight after netting a remarkable hat-trick.
He struck early in the 5th minute, doubled the lead in the 33rd, and completed his treble in the 55th. Andrew Joseph sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 59th minute, before Vincent Mark pulled one back for Shire from the penalty spot in the 69th.
Speaking after the game, Silvers Second Assistant Coach, Young Chimodzi Jnr, praised his charges for their discipline and execution of tactics.
“Of course, there was no room for errors in todays match. We knew Shire got us last season in the Castel Cup, so we prepared well. The players showed great determination and composure from the first whistle until the last,” he said.Chimodzi said the win was a big morale booster for the squad ahead of their upcoming league fixtures.
“This victory motivates us as we now look forward to the next game against Mighty Wanderers in the TNM Super League. It wont be an easy task, but the focus and momentum from today will help us,”he added.
On the other hand, Shire FC Coach Misheck Katchika-Jere accepted defeat, admitting his team had been outplayed.
“Silver were the better team today. My boys fought hard, but we struggled to contain their pace. We will take lessons from this and prepare better for our Chipiku League and future cup games,”he said.
In another FDH Bank Cup round-of-16 fixture, Mighty Wanderers booked their spot in the quarter-finals after defeating Mzuzu City Hammers 21. Blessings Singini opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, Muhammad Sulumba extended the lead in the 49th, while Jeremiah Kanyika grabbed a consolation for Hammers in the 70th.The victory over Shire FC was particularly sweet for Silver Strikers, who were eliminated by the same side in last years Castel Cup through penalties. This time, the Bankers made no mistake, exacting revenge and boosting their confidence ahead of hosting Mighty Wanderers in the TNM Super League on Sunday.
