Castel Cup Preview | Ntaja United vs Ekhaya Fc
Ekhaya FC turn their focus to knockout football this Saturday as they face Ntaja United at Balaka Stadium in the Round of 32 of the Castel Cup, with both sides eyeing a place in the next round.
Ntaja United come into the fixture nearing the end of their NBS National Division League campaign. With one game left to conclude their season, Mavuto Lungu’s side currently sit 8th on the table with 25 points.
The hosts will be buoyed by a morale-boosting 2–1 home victory over Chintheche United in their last outing, a result that reinforced their competitive edge, especially on home soil.
Attention now shifts to cup competition, where the Cowboys are desperate to change their recent fortunes.
Having suffered an early exit in last season’s FDH Bank Cup and being knocked out of the Castel Cup in the Round of 64 last year, Ekhaya are determined to make a stronger impression this time around.
Momentum, however, is on their side. Ekhaya head into the tie on the back of a solid 2–0 victory over Mighty Tigers, a performance that highlighted their organisation and attacking efficiency. That result has injected belief as they aim to finally translate league promise into cup success.
Previous meetings between Ekhaya and Ntaja United have proven intense and fiercely contested affairs. On both occasions, the Cowboys emerged victorious, but the encounters were far from straightforward.
Saturday’s clash is expected to follow a similar script, with Ntaja looking to use home advantage while Ekhaya rely on their growing experience and tactical discipline.
The reward for victory is significant with the winner of this tie will progress to face Shire Wimbe, who sent a strong warning to potential opponents after thrashing Chintheche United 4–0 in their own Round of 32 encounter.
Team News
Ekhaya FC head into today’s tie with major selection challenges, as injuries have heavily affected the squad. The Cowboys will be without several key players:
Out injured:
Alick Lungu
James Lumbe
Fanizo Mwansambo
Joseph McDonald
Godswill Kanyika
Safton Chintokoma
Levison Mnyenyembe
Samuel Rukura
Emmanuel Saviel
Returning:
Wongani Kaponya
Despite the lengthy injury list, the Cowboys will be hoping for a spirited performance from the available squad as they look to overcome adversity.
Match Officials
Center Referee: Marko Dzimbasekwa
First Assistant Referee: Evans Burton
Second Assistant Referee: Paul Sakwiya
Fourth Official: Dan Dauya
Referee Assistant: Bester Banda
Matchday Tickets
Open Stand: MK 1,000
Covered Stand: MK 2,000
How to Follow
Fans can watch the match live on FIFA+, with live updates, team news, and key moments available across Ekhaya FC’s official social media platforms.
