Ekhaya FC wrote their name into Malawian football history after becoming the first debutants to win the Airtel Top 8, following a 2-1 victory over Mighty Wanderers in a thrilling final at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.
The Cowboys, appearing in the competition for the first time, showed courage and composure to overcome the Nomads and end FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ three-year dominance of the tournament.
The final produced all the ingredients of a major cup decider, with goals, penalties, tactical adjustments, late pressure and moments of individual brilliance.
Wanderers started brightly, putting Ekhaya under early pressure through attacking exchanges involving Mphatso Kamanga and Gaddie Chirwa.
However, Ekhaya were handed a golden opportunity in the 38th minute when Wanderers defender Stanley Sanudi was penalised for handling the ball inside the box.
Blessings Malinda stepped up and calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending Wanderers goalkeeper Dalitso Nkhungwa the wrong way to give Ekhaya a 1-0 lead.
The goal gave the Cowboys confidence, while Wanderers were forced to chase the game for the remainder of the first half.
The Nomads returned stronger after the break and found the equaliser in the 49th minute when Kamanga beat Clever Nkungula to make it 1-1.
But Ekhaya responded 10 minutes later. Allen Chihana rose highest to head home a well-delivered free-kick from Malinda in the 59th minute, restoring Ekhaya’s lead and putting the Cowboys back in control.
Chihana’s goal proved decisive and capped a remarkable scoring run for the forward, who found the back of the net in all four of Ekhaya’s matches in the competition.
Wanderers pushed hard in the closing stages, with substitutes including Isaac Kaliati adding urgency in attack, but Ekhaya shifted into game management mode and defended their lead with discipline.
Goalkeeper Nkungula produced important saves, while the Ekhaya defence stood firm under pressure until the final whistle sparked wild celebrations among players, officials and supporters.
Malinda, who scored the opener and assisted the winning goal, was named Player of the Match.
Ekhaya began their campaign against defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, drawing 1-1 in both legs before winning 7-6 on post-match penalties to reach the semi-finals.
They then beat Karonga United 2-1 in the last four before completing their fairytale run with victory over Wanderers in the final.
Ekhaya coach Enos Chatama admitted the final was difficult, especially after Wanderers equalised, but praised his players for responding well.
“We knew Wanderers are dangerous on the flanks and they had almost three forwards who were good in the air, so we had to contain them and cut the supply line. It gave us some problems, but the boys dealt with them properly,” said Chatama.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira described the result as disappointing, but accepted defeat.
“Very disappointing result for us, but all the same, it’s a game of football. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. As much as we wanted to win, we lost,” said Mpinganjira.