By Staff Reporter
Third-tier outfit Extreme Football Club have vowed to mount a serious challenge against Castel Challenge Cup holders Mighty Wanderers FC when the two sides clash this afternoon in a Round of 32 fixture at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji District.
Wanderers go into the encounter as firm favourites, buoyed by their recent TNM Super League triumph that ended an eight-year title drought, as well as their status as defending Castel Cup champions.
However, Extreme FC believe they can spring another surprise, drawing confidence from a famous upset nearly three years ago when they edged the Nomads 1–0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe during a league encounter.
That loss on June 10, 2023 sparked unsavoury scenes, with irate Wanderers supporters confronting players outside the dressing room and forcing then captain Stanley Sanudi to kneel and apologise.
The incident drew condemnation from club president Thomson Mpinganjira, who later threatened to withdraw sponsorship over the behaviour of the fans.
Extreme FC head coach Trust Nyirenda says his side is motivated by the prospect of history. I
“We are chasing something special. Our ambition is to become the first lower-league team to win the Castel Cup, and knocking out the defending champions would be a massive statement.
“Wanderers may be favourites, but we have beaten them before.They know we are not pushovers, and we are determined to rise to the occasion again,” he says.
Nyirenda is banking on key players including striker Gregory, midfielder Beston Jimu, and defender Grievin Ng’anjo, who have been instrumental in Extreme FC’s impressive run in the Chipiku Central Region Football League.
The team currently sits second on the table with 52 points from 26 matches, five points behind leaders Blue Eagles Reserves.
Meanwhile, Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira has cautioned against complacency, stressing the unpredictable nature of cup competitions.
“Cup games are always tricky, especially against teams with nothing to lose. Lower-league sides can be dangerous if you underestimate them.Our focus is on making a strong start to our Castel Cup defence,” says Mpinganjira.
The Nomads are expected to lean on attacking options Isaac Kaliati, Mphatso Kamanga and Dan Kudonto, as well as defender Emmanuel Nyirenda, all of whom recently committed their futures to the Lali Lubani Road-based club.
Other Castel Challenge Cup Fixtures Today:
Mafco FC vs Blue Eagles FC — Champion Stadium
Prison United vs Civil Service United (Civo) — Balaka Stadium
Chilumba Barracks vs Mighty Tigers — Chitipa Stadium
Home Sweepers vs Mzuzu City Hammers — Rumphi Stadium
