By Pemphero Mpho Musowa
Mzuzu City Hammers head coach Kondwani Ikwanga says people should not underestimate his boys when they meet Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the Castel Challenge Cup finals at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.
Ikwanga speaking ahead of the match said his boys are ready for the big showdown.
’’We know that very few people gave us a chance to reach this far. We are in the final so we deserve respect. Wanderers should not underrate us,’’ Ikwanga said.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira said despite having a good record against Hammers, he anticipates a tough clash.
’’We are not focusing on past results. This is a different game so we have to exercise caution. We will work hard so that we win it,’’ Mpinganjira said.
Hammers earned a 2-0 victory in the first round at Mzuzu Stadium but Wanderers responded with 8-0 win in the reverse fixture at Kamuzu Stadium.
Hammers go into the match beaming with confidence having knocked out holders Bullets following 4-1 victory on post-match penalties at Kamuzu Stadium on Tuesday.
So far, Hammers are also the only side yet to concede in this year’s competition. Hammers started their journey in the Castel Challenge Cup with a 4-0 victory over Kameme in the round-of-32 before a 1-0 win over Mighty Tigers in the round-of-16.
In the quarterfinals, Hammers defeated Karonga United 3-1 on post-match penalties after goal-less in regulation time before knocking out last year’s winners.
On the other hand, Wanderers are no strangers in domestic cup finals having won several trophies.
However, Wanderers last reached a cup final in 2022 when they won the Airtel Top 8 with a 5-3 victory over FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on post-match penalties.
Both Wanderers and Hammers will make their first ever appearance in the Castel Cup final since its inception last year. But the two sides will meet for the first time at this stage in all competitions.
