Blue Eagles FC became the second team to book a spot in the Airtel top 8 cup semi-finals, joining MAFCO FC, after defeating Moyale Barracks 3-2 and 4-3 on aggregate on Sunday at Nankhaka Stadium.
The first half played out to an electric start with 3 goals in the first 20 minutes and 4 goals to close off the half.
Blue Eagles scored first through Christopher Gototo who received the ball from Richard Rapson, made a quick turn and scored a stunner – a potential goal of the season after launching a strike from 25 yards to beat Jeremiah Simfukwe.
After 15 minutes, goalkeeper Simfukwe was replaced by Simeon Harawa due to an injury and before Harawa could even settle into the match, Blue Eagles doubled their lead in the 17th minute via a Kingsley Kuwali header to direct home a McDonald Lameck throw in.
Moyale quickly regrouped and scored through Charles Nkhoma who got the better of Lovemore Jere’s free kick.
With momentum in Moyale’s favor their sheer determination paid off when Raphael Phiri calmly slotted home from close range in the 42nd minute.
In the second half it was very evident pressure was creeping in for both teams as they attempted rushed passes and quick recoveries.
With the scores standing at 2-2 and 3-3 on aggregate when the second half commenced, Moyale was poised to advance to the semi-finals due to the away goal rule.
As the game lagged on it seemed Moyale Barracks grew more relaxed and watched on as Blue Eagles pushed for an extra goal as they turned to their bench with the introduction of Laurent Banda, Hendrix Misinde and Blessings Malemia for Richard Rapson, Kingsley Kuwali and Trouble Banda in the 70th minute.
Blue Eagles scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute through Ganizani James who capitalized on Andrew Juvinala’s free kick as the Moyale Barracks defence was caught napping.
Speaking in a post-match interview, assistant coach for Blue Eagles, Christopher Sibale outlined tactical changes as keys to victory. “It was a tough game, cup games are unpredictable however Moyale failed to cope up when we switched to 3 midfielders and 3 strikers hence we got the winning goal,” he said.
On the other hand, Coach for Moyale Barracks, Victor Chingoka conceded the defeat as a result of defensive mishaps.
“We started on a high note, our strikers did well, however we were not consistent in defense,” Chingoka said.
Blue Eagles will be waiting for the semi-final draw as Silver Strikers – Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Civil Service United are yet to play their second legs.
