Karonga United FC defeated Baka City 1-0 on Sunday to earn the Paramount Chief Kyungu derby bragging rights.

Rookie Blessings Mwalilino scored the winning goal in the second half of the match played at Karonga Stadium.

Mwalilino’s heroics also earned him man of the match award in the TNM Super league first game for both teams in the 2024/25 season.

The first half ended 0-0 with nothing much to write about however, in the second half, Mwalilino who was playing his first Super League game put the ball in the back of the net in the 65th minute, following an assist from Allen Chihana.

Karonga United FC talisman Ellie Kayombo also had sight of goal for the Ingwina Shaku Karonga when they won the ball high up the pitch but his right footed effort struck the crossbar.

After the final whistle, Karonga United’s Head Coach, Trevor Kajawa, described the match as an even contest.

“Our team is a mixture of young and experienced players and fans should have patience. We will be bringing in good results. I believe the team is in good shape and the spirit is there among the boys to deliver,” Kajawa said.

Baka City’s Assistant Coach, Davie Muyombe decried lack of clearances for some of his players who were not used in the derby as having disrupted his game plan.

“We signed some players but we are yet to get clearances from their clubs. That is why we did not use them but I am sure once they are cleared, then we will have a strong side and we will be winning games,” Muyombe said.

On his part, Super League of Malawi (SULOM) executive member, Henry Banda said the league has started on a good note without any violent incidents.