Karonga United Reserve FC and Kababa Academy have both secured their places at the U23 National Bank Championship National Finals after emerging champions in the Northern and Eastern Region qualifiers respectively.
The youthful side sealed qualification with a 3-0 victory over Chamaliwa FC on Sunday, 22 February 2026 at Luwinga Technical Centre in Mzuzu. After a competitive first half, Michael Mwalilino broke the deadlock in the 61st minute to shift momentum in Karonga’s favour. Madalo Afiki extended the lead in the 87th minute before Paul Mulungu added the third to complete a dominant performance and confirm their passage to the national stage.
In the Eastern Region, Division One side Kababa Academy also booked their ticket to the finals following a narrow 1-0 win over Karonga Stars FC at Balaka Stadium. The tightly contested encounter was decided in the 72nd minute when Fortune Thauka struck the decisive goal to crown Kababa Academy regional champions.
Karonga United Reserve FC, who compete in the Northern Region District League, and Kababa Academy from the Eastern Region Division One League now join the lineup for the U23 National Bank Championship National Finals as they prepare to compete for national honours.
