The FDH Bank Cup round of 32 and 16 draws conducted on Thursday at Mpira House will see defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets face Ndirande Stars.
Some of the thrilling encounters expected include matches between three TNM Super League teams: Karonga United face Kamuzu Barracks, Blue Eagles against Red Lions and Chitipa United taking on Dedza Dynamos.
So far, 109 goals have already been scored in the cup.
Marketing Manager FDH Bank Tiyese Kaimila said they anticipate a thrilling competition: "We are delighted with the draw, the way it was conducted, and the resulting matches. Three ties featuring Super League teams and some local derbies from the districts, which promise excitement."
The bank increased sponsorship from K90 million to K120 million this season with the winner walking away with K30 million, a significant increase from last year's K25 million.
The bank has also raised the prize money for regional team winners from K500,000 to K700,000 as well as covering the travel expenses of the regional teams as they travel to different parts of the country to compete.
Kaimila also acknowledged the supporters for their non-violent behaviour at football venues since the cup's launch in 2021.
Gomezgani Zakazaka, Competition Manager of the Football Association of Malawi, expressed gratitude to FDH Bank for increasing sponsorship for this year's cup.
"We are thrilled to enter the third edition of this competition, which began in 2021. Looking back at where we came from, last year's tournament was exceptional, with a significant upset where a non-super league team reached the final—a remarkable achievement after many years.
"We look forward to another exciting competition, hoping that teams will replicate the same performance and that regional teams will also match the accomplishments of their counterparts from last season. We can't wait for the matches to begin," Zakazaka said.
Fans should expect interesting football as in recent years, some of the teams have entered the Super League and being able to showcase talent.
Full list of the games
FDH Bank Cup Round of 32 Draw
Leyman Panthers VS Civil Service united
Karonga United VS Kamuzu Barracks
Moyale Barracks VS Iponga FC
Silver strikers VS Ntaja United
Blue Eagles VS Red Lions
Nyasa Big Bullets Bullets VS Ndirande Stars
Mpondas FC VS Mukuru Wanderers
MAFCO VS Ekwendeni Hard Knockers
Mbabzi Utd Vs Ntopwa
Extreme FC VS St Gabriel
Ikwaiweni Tafika sports academy Vs Bangwe all stars
Chitipa Utd Vs Dedza Dynamos
Balaka FC vs Chiqlqumba Barracks
Santhe Admarc Vs Mighty Tigers
Airborne Rangers VS Ekwendeni hammers
Mayamiko Stars Vs Zingwangwa United
Among the 32 teams, 16 hail from the Northern, Central, and Southern regions, and they have been drawn to face off against the 16 Super League teams.
The round of 32 is scheduled to commence on June 17th and conclude on June 30th, while the round of 16 is set to kick off on July 3rd.
