Mighty Wanderers are through to the final of the 2026 Airtel Top 8 Cup after edging Blue Eagles 5-4 on post-match penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw in regulation time at Silver Stadium on Sunday.
The Nomads held their nerve from the spot to book a final date with Ekhaya FC, who secured their place on Saturday after beating Karonga United 2-1 in the other semi-final.
Wanderers made a dream start, taking the lead in the fourth minute after being awarded a penalty following a foul inside the box. Lameck Mithi kept his composure and converted from the spot to give the Nomads an early advantage.
Blue Eagles responded in the 27th minute, also from the penalty spot, after Emmanuel Nyirenda was adjudged to have fouled Tonic Viyuyi inside the box.
Christian Maluwa stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the scores at 1-1.
The semi-final remained entertaining, with both teams creating chances in search of a winner, but neither side could find a breakthrough as the match went straight to penalties.
Blue Eagles converted four of their six penalties through Lanken Mwale, Matthias Nyirenda, Webster Nzunda and Christian Maluwa, but misses from Fahad Mtcheka and Davie Phiri proved costly.
Wanderers were clinical under pressure, with Isaac Kaliati, Muhammad Sulumba, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Promise Kamwendo and Alex Kambilinya all converting from the spot. Sama Thierry was the only Wanderers player to miss after his effort was saved.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira praised his players for showing character in a difficult match.
“It was a difficult match against a very organised Blue Eagles side. The players showed character throughout the game and remained calm during the penalties. We are delighted to be in the final and now our focus shifts to Ekhaya,” said Mpinganjira.
Blue Eagles coach DeKlerk Msakakuona said the result was disappointing, but praised his players for their effort.
“We gave everything and matched Wanderers throughout the match. Penalties are always cruel because one mistake can decide everything. I am proud of the performance, even though we are disappointed with the result,” he said.
Wanderers will now face Ekhaya FC in the Airtel Top 8 final, with the Nomads chasing silverware while Ekhaya will be aiming to crown their impressive cup campaign with a historic title.
