Ekwendeni Hammers has reached the quarter finals of the inaugural Castel Cup after beating Dedza dynamo 5-6 on post-match penalties, after they played to a 1 all draw in regulation time.

In match that was played at Dedza Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the two half’s of the match produced a balanced possession from the two teams.

Dedza was the first team to break the dread rock thanks to Christopher Phiri 17th minute penalty.

It was tight and tensed in the second half as the two teams play a rough ball but Hammers equalize in 65th minute after Chisomo Sambani headed the ball into the net to take the match to penalties.

During the penalty shootout, the Hammers converted their spot kicks through Blessings Singini, Brian Phiri, Isaiah Nyirenda, Chisomo Sambani, Yasin Rashid and Chikumbutso Henderson while Jimmy Msiska missed.

Dedza converted theirs through Christopher Phiri, Edward Dakalira, Clement Nyondo and Ochaya Okot Otim while Khumbo Banda and Limbani Phiri’s spot kicks were saved by Ekwendeni keeper Innocent Kamwambi.

In a post-match interview, Head coach for Dedza Dynamos, Gilbert Chirwa, said the goal which Ekwendeni scored was completely offside but they have accepted the result.

“The game was good and we were leading 1-0 and Ekwendeni equalised through a free kick but I think one of their players was completely offside, the whole bench was surprised as to why they did not raise the flag otherwise penalties are unpredictable and Ekwendeni won.” Said Chirwa.

Head Coach for Ekwendeni Hammers, Elias Chirambo, was not convinced with the penalty awarded to Dedza Dynamos but was happy to progress to the next round.

“It was a tough game mainly in the first half, we were not good and the referee gave them a penalty but at half time, I told the boys not to give up and we managed to get that goal and I am very happy for the win.” Said Chirambo.

This means Ekwendeni Hammers have become the first team to qualify for the Castel Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

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