Chitipa United Pulls Off Stunning Escape from Relegation
The pivotal moment came when FOMO's Afana Amin missed an 80th-minute penalty, ultimately sealing the team's fate.
KARONGA, MALAWI — Chitipa United staged a miraculous survival act in the TNM Super League, securing their top-flight status on the most dramatic of final days with a combination of their own heroics and favourable results elsewhere, writes Lusekero Mhango.
Starting the day in 15th place and facing potential relegation, Chitipa United left nothing to chance with a commanding 3-1 victory over already-relegated Baka City at Karonga Stadium on Saturday.
Goals from Francis Nyirenda, Trouble Kajani, and Ken Mulenga sealed a crucial win, with Dickson Mwangonde's consolation goal proving inconsequential.
The team's survival hinged on multiple results. Simultaneously, Creck Sporting Club delivered a decisive 4-1 defeat to Bangwe All Stars, while Karonga United held FOMO FC to a crucial goalless draw.
The pivotal moment came when FOMO's Afana Amin missed an 80th-minute penalty, ultimately sealing the team's fate.
When the final whistle blew, Chitipa had dramatically leaped from 15th to 13th in the league table, finishing with 29 points and a superior goal difference that kept them in the top flight.
"We always believed we could escape," said an ecstatic Christopher Nyambose, Chitipa United's coach. "Football is crazy—anything can happen, especially on the final day."
The relegation battle claimed three victims: Baka City, FOMO FC, and Bangwe All Stars will drop to the lower division, with Baka City's assistant team manager Dave Kayira reflecting on a challenging campaign.
"Experience has been our greatest challenge," Kayira admitted. "It's been a painful lesson, but we'll come back stronger."
For Chitipa United, it was a day of jubilation—a testament to resilience and the unpredictable nature of football, where hope can triumph until the very last moment.