In a pulsating Airtel Top 8 semi-final clash at the Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, Malawi Armed Forces College (Mafco) emerged victorious, securing their place in the Airtel Top 8 Season 8 final.
The Salima-based outfit overcame the challenge posed by two-time champions Silver Strikers in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The road to the final was not without its controversies, as the second semi-final faced delays due to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers contesting quarterfinal results.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) disciplinary committee ultimately ruled in favor of Silver Strikers, paving the way for the much-anticipated showdown.
Silver Strikers drew first blood in the 27th minute of the first half, courtesy of Patrick Macheso, who expertly finished Chimwemwe Idana’s pass, beating Mafco’s goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa.
However, Mafco showcased resilience, leveling the score at 83 minutes through Prince Kachere, taking advantage of Silver Strikers’ defensive lapse.
The game saw additional drama in injury time when Silver Strikers seemingly found the back of the net through Emmanuel Kaunga’s header from Mark Fodya’s free kick.
Unfortunately for Silver Strikers, the goal was disallowed for an offside, sparking discontent among the Central Bankers and their Head Coach Peter De Jongh.
The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Mafco demonstrated composure.
Peter Kasonga, Paul Ndhlovu, and Aubrey Chafewa all converted their penalties, securing a 3-1 advantage.
On the other side, Silver Strikers faltered, with Chisomo Mpachika and Mark Fodya missing their penalties, and Chikondi Kamaga having his shot saved by Mikuwa. Innocent Shema scored the lone penalty for Silver Strikers.
The final whistle confirmed Mafco’s 3-1 victory in the penalty shootout, with the aggregate score standing at 1-1 after normal and extra time.
Head Coach Prichard Mwansa expressed his joy at reaching the final and commended his team’s performance, particularly in the first half.
“We are very happy to play in the final. We are thanking the boys because they did very well, especially in the first half,” said Mwansa.
Looking ahead to the final on January 6, 2024, Mwansa acknowledged the challenge posed by FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who had previously defeated Mafco 3-0 in the FDH Cup final at the same venue.
“We are playing against Bullets in the final game. This is another game. We played against them in the FDH Cup final. We will go back and plan well so that we beat them this time around,” added Mwansa.
Meanwhile, Peter De Jongh, the disappointed Silver Strikers coach, pointed fingers at the officiating panel for disallowing what could have been the winning goal in injury time.
“The referee and the linesmen have contributed to our loss. That’s not football in Malawi,” said De Jongh.
With this hard-fought victory, Mafco now sets their sights on the Airtel Top 8 Season 8 final against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, promising fans another exciting showdown at the Bingu National Stadium.
