By Mphatso M’bang’ombe:
Mponela have qualified for the semi-finals of the Central Region National Bank Championship Under-23 Cup after defeating Mtunthama 3-1 in a quarter-final match played at Mponela Community in Dowa district on Sunday.
Mtunthama took an early lead shortly before the break when striker Chisangalalo Phiri fired home a long-range effort in the 42nd minute, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage at half-time.
After the interval, the home side regrouped and adjusted their approach, a move that quickly paid dividends.
Striker Alikanjero Mayola drew Mponela level in the 60th minute before completing his brace just three minutes later to put the hosts firmly in control.
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Mponela sealed the victory in the 78th minute when Prince Chiutika struck the third goal, sparking celebrations among the home supporters and confirming their passage to the last four.
Speaking after the match, Mtunthama’s coach Salim Bakali congratulated Mponela for winning but lamented his side’s failure to capitalise on chances in the first half.
“We had opportunities early on but did not make the most of them, and that cost us. We will go back, analyse what went wrong at this stage, and prepare better for next season,” Bakali said.
Mponela assistant coach Enock Likoswe, praised his players for executing the tactical changes made at half-time.
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“The boys followed the strategy well and managed to contain our opponents. We will continue working on different approaches as we prepare for the semi-final,” Likoswe said.
Mponela will now face Civil Service United Reserve in the semi-final later this week at a venue to be communicated by the organisers