Ekhaya FC return to Castel Challenge Cup action on Saturday afternoon when they host Goshen City Dedza Dynamos in a mouth-watering quarter-final clash at Mpira Stadium, with a semi-final place firmly on the line.
Both sides arrive at this stage with momentum and belief, having navigated tough paths to the last eight, setting the stage for a fiercely contested knockout encounter.
The Road to the Quarter-Finals
The visitors have been one of the standout stories of this year’s competition, reaching this stage.
They have already claimed two major scalps, knocking out Super League opposition in Karonga United and Crevk Sporting Club.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have also impressed on their route to the quarter-finals, edging past Ntaja United 4–2 on post-match penalties following a thrilling 2–2 draw, before grinding out a hard-fought 1–0 away victory against Shire Wimbe to book their place in the last eight.
Head-to-Head:Nothing to Separate Them
Saturday’s encounter will be the third meeting between the two sides, and history suggests a tight affair.
Their two league clashes both ended level, a goalless draw at Dimba Stadium, followed by a 1–1 stalemate at Mpira Stadium.
Those results highlight just how evenly matched the teams are, and with knockout football now in play, fine margins could once again decide the outcome.
Team News
Ekhaya FC head into the quarter-final still grappling with a depleted squad. The club has been without several key players in recent outings, with seven missing for the past two matches.
For Saturday’s tie, Alick Lungu remains sidelined, alongside Safton Chintokoma, Fanizo Mwansambo, Godswill Kanyika, and Levie Mnyenyembe, who are all unavailable.
There is some positive news, however, with Samuel Rukura and James Lumbe returning to training this week. Despite their progress, the quarter-final is expected to come too soon for the duo.
What the Coach Said
Ekhaya FC’s head coach expects a stern test against a Dedza side in confident form.
“We expect a very tough match. Dedza have knocked out two Super League teams, while we have played against two Premier Division sides. Looking at the two recent games we have played against them, it is clear that this will be a difficult encounter,” he said.
He also emphasized the high stakes at this stage of the competition.
“This time around, there is no room for a draw, one team must win.”
Matchday Information
Tickets
VIP Stand: MK6,000
Open Stand: MK4,000
