This weekend, the interest of fans will be directed towards various pitches as teams prepare to compete in the Round 32 of the Castel Cup.
But first, the run up to this level occurred last weekend.
Nsanje United faced a defeat of 1-4 in post-match penalties against Airborne Rangers at Nsanje Stadium, following a 1-1 draw during regular time.
The home team initially took the lead just two minutes into the match, with Martin Khembo scoring and uplifting the spirits of the team, supported by enthusiastic home fans until halftime. Nevertheless, the visitors equalized in the second half, just six minutes shy of the hour mark, with a goal from Thomas Kashoni.
In another match, penalties also determined the outcome between Red Lions and Ndirande Stars, with the Blantyre-based team emerging victorious 5-3 after an exciting 1-1 draw.
Energized by their return to the top-flight league, the Red Lions capitalized on their home advantage at Balaka Stadium, scoring through Calisto Kaliwo in the 26th minute. However, the Zomba-based side equalized in the 77th minute with a goal from Kondwani Kucheza. Ndirande Stars successfully converted all their penalty kicks, while the Reds missed two.
During the past weekend, only one match concluded without penalties. This match took place at Rumphi Stadium, where Chinthenche United suffered a heavy defeat of 0-4 against the high-flying Shire Wimbe FC.
The first to initiate the hauling was Precious Mandiwa, who scored 26 minutes before Sten Mponela, whose goal occurred six minutes prior to halftime. In the second half, Thathedwa Willard netted a goal at the 69-minute mark before completing a brace twenty minutes later.
Looking ahead to the upcoming weekend, it appears to be quite promising with several intriguing matchups scheduled.
Three games are set to take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026. At Champions Stadium, the super league team Kamuzu Barracks will compete against Ntaja Rangers. Balaka Stadium will also host a match between Ntaja United and the top-tier team Ekhaya FC. On the same day, Chitipa Stadium will feature a game between lower league team Lufita United and Karonga United.
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, five matches are lined up, determining which teams will progress to the next round. At Aubrey Dimba Stadium, Extreme FC will welcome the newly crowned league champions, Mighty Wanderers, who are the current holders of the Castel Cup.
Additionally, the first match involving super league teams will occur at Champion Stadium, where Mafco will face off against Blue Eagles. Chilumba Barracks will also host Mighty Tigers, a team recently relegated from the top tier, at Chitipa Stadium.
Balaka Stadium seems to have a significant share of the Castel Cup thus far, as Prison United will play as the home team against Civil Service United. The Nkhatabay-based team Homesweeper will compete against Mzuzu City Hammers, shortly after being relegated from the top tier league.
It is evident that the Castel Cup continues to engage both teams and fans in the pursuit of honors this year.