Mzuzu City Hammers produced a heroic performance to knock out defending champions Mighty Wanderers from the Castel Challenge Cup after a dramatic quarterfinal showdown at Rumphi Stadium on Sunday.
The match ended 1–1 after regulation time before Hammers, despite finishing with only nine players, edged Wanderers 5–3 in a tense penalty shootout to set up a semifinal clash against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
The opening half was keenly contested, with Mighty Wanderers enjoying more possession as they tried to break down a disciplined Hammers defence.
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Wanderers registered the first clear opportunity in the 9th minute when Wisdom Mpinganjira was released by Thierry Tanjong Sama, but his effort sailed over the bar.
Hammers goalkeeper Innocent Kamwambi was forced into action on several occasions and also required medical attention midway through the half.
Despite Wanderers’ pressure, the first half ended goalless.
Hammers made an early second-half change, introducing Isaiah Nyirenda for Samson Olatubosun.
However, five minutes after the restart, Wanderers were awarded a penalty following a foul on Sama inside the box, and Isaac Kaliati calmly converted in the 50th minute.
The goal energised the visitors, who pressed for a second, but failed to find a decisive breakthrough.
Mzuzu City Hammers’ task became even more difficult late on when they were reduced to nine men.
Mathews Banda was sent off in the 70th minute after receiving a second yellow card before captain Jimmy Msiska followed him down the tunnel two minutes later.
As Wanderers struggled to fully capitalise on their two-man advantage, Hammers grew in belief.
With seven minutes of added time, substitute Hassan Luwembe stunned the defending champions by scoring a superb equaliser in the 94th minute after being set up by Aubrey Simbi.
In the penalty shootout, Mzuzu City Hammers were flawless and converted all penalties, while Wanderers’ Stanley Sanudi missed his effort as Hammers claimed a famous 5–3 victory.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Hammers assistant coach Lazarus Nyemera said his side remained focused and adaptable.
Nyemera admitted the result exceeded expectations but credited his players’ preparation.
“I should thank my players. We made tactical substitutions and changed our game plan, and that paid dividends in the end.
“We are excited with the victory; we honestly did not expect it. It was a tough match, as cup games always are, especially against a big team like Wanderers. My charges were prepared and alert because we knew they would come in tough,” he said.
The result extends Mzuzu City Hammers’ remarkable cup run. Despite being relegated from the TNM Super League, they have now eliminated two heavyweights, having earlier knocked out Silver Strikers in the round of 16.
Looking ahead, Nyemera urged supporters to keep believing.
“After being relegated from the league, this cup is our only hope. As we head into the semifinals, our fans should remain hopeful because we are aiming to clinch the cup,” he said.
His counterpart, Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira described the defeat as painful but accepted it as part of the game.
Mpinganjira admitted his side failed to make full use of their numerical advantage.
“It’s a painful result, but it happens in football. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We congratulate them and wish them all the best.
“We were two men up and did not really make use of that advantage. We didn’t play well from the beginning. We scored, but conceded towards the end, and that made it a very difficult game,” said Mpinganjira.
Mzuzu City Hammers will face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the semifinals, while the other last-four match will see Goshen City take on Dedza Dynamos and Blue Eagles.