Nyasa Big Bullets Youth are through to the semi-finals of Manchester Motor Mechanical Center Under-20 Cup after beating Ntopwa Youth 4-1 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Kamuzu Stadium on Monday.
The young Bullets were the first to score in the 15th minute through Blessings Mofolo, who, together with Hellings Mhango and Aubrey Massford terrorized Ntopwa defence before setting up the midfielder to put the ball into the net, 1-0.
Autley Kalulu’s boys kept on pressuring for more goals, but Isaac Jomo Osman’s junior side defended with everything to remain in the game.
With five minutes remaining before the break, Mphatso Kamundi had an opportunity to level the scoreline when he was found unmarked in the 18-yard box, however the youngster blasted his effort over the crossbar.
It was in additional minutes of the opening half when Ntopwa Youth equalized through Mayamiko Malema, who headed home from Lazard Witness’ well-taken corner kick, 1-1.
In the second half, Ntopwa Youth dominated and created more goal scoring chances through their danger man Japhert Kanzimbi, but all his good passes into the box were cleared by Hadji James, who was very outstanding at the back for the red and white side.
In the 50th minute, a good exchange of passes between Henderson Kaira and Kamundi released Mayamiko Malema to the right flank of the field before sending a dangerous pass into the box, but Kanzimbi failed to connect, allowing goalkeeper Duncan Kumimba to collect the ball with ease.
Moments later, Kaira was at it again, this time, creating a golden opportunity for Malema to put the game to bed for Ntopwa, but the forward saw his goal bound shot well cleared by Jali Daudi.
It was now a matter of killing time as both teams opted for penalties to decide their fate and it was Bullets Youth who triumphed 4-1 after Daudi, Gift Jossam, Kumbukani Manto and James all converted their spot kicks, while Kamundi, Witness and Kaira all missed their penalties for Ntopwa Youth.
