Revenge is a dish best served cold. Karonga United just did exactly that as they knocked Mighty Wanderers out of the 2025 Airtel Top 8 following a 2-0 victory at Karonga Stadium Sunday.
It was a perfect revenge for Karonga as they advanced to the semi-finals of the Airtel Top 8 following a 2-1 on aggregate having lost the first leg 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium last week.
This means Karonga will face holders and three-time record winners FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the semi-finals later in June at a venue yet to be announced.
Alfred Chizinga was the hero of the day when he scored a second half brace.
Eventually, Chizinga was named-player-of-the-match and walked away with K150,000 from Airtel Malawi.
His exploits ensured that there will be no Blantyre derby in the Airtel Top 8 this season.
The result summed up Wanderers’ difficult week following the death of legendary technical director Yasin Osman, who was buried on Tuesday.
After a barren first half in which both teams had limited opportunities, Chizinga broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when he scored from close range after an assist from Allen Chihana.
The goal energised Karonga as they continued to press hard for the second goal.
On the other hand, Wanderers tried to reorganise themselves in search for the equaliser but Karonga defence stood firm.
But Chizinga completed his brace with a fine header after an assist from substitute Robert Luhanga in the 78th minute. It was a decisive goal of the tie.
Karonga Assistant Coach Chris Chimkwita said his side deserved the victory.
Bob Mpinganjira
“We were the better side in all the two matches. We are improving each and every game. We are not yet there of course but we are happy,” Chimkwita said.
Wanderers Coach Bob Mpinganjira said he was dejected with the loss.
“We had a very good game but we did not score a goal. In the second half, we tried but we failed. Karonga utilised their chances,” Mpinganjira said.
The semi-finals line-up will be complete on May 18 as Civil Service United will host Mzuzu City Hammers at a venue to be announced.
The two teams played out to a goal-less stalemate in the first leg at Mzuzu Stadium.
Prior to that, Moyale Barracks will face Silver Strikers at Mzuzu Stadium on May 17, 2025.
Silver have an advantage after a 1-0 victory in the first leg.
The winners will face each other in the semi-finals in June at a venue yet to be announced. This year’s final is expected to be played on July 12.
The champions of this year’s Airtel Top 8 will pocket K35 million, up from K30 million.
