Alfred Chizinga emerged as the hero for Karonga United, firing his side into the semifinals of the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Cup after a thrilling 2-0 second-leg victory over Mighty Wanderers at Karonga Stadium on Sunday. The result overturned a 1-0 first-leg defeat, securing a 2-1 aggregate triumph for Ingwina.
The Nomads had taken a narrow advantage into the return fixture, thanks to a solitary strike from Blessings Mwalirino — a former Karonga United star — at Kamuzu Stadium. However, Karonga United, roared on by a passionate home crowd, produced a spirited performance to complete a stunning comeback.
Wanderers started brightly despite playing away, dominating the early exchanges with four corner-kicks inside the first 15 minutes. But their failure to capitalize on those opportunities proved costly, as Karonga United defended resolutely and grew into the game with impressive resilience.
The two sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0, a result that still favored the Nomads on aggregate. But Karonga United had other ideas. In the second half, Alfred Chizinga took center stage, netting twice to turn the tie on its head and propel Ingwina into the final four.
Karonga United will now meet defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets, who booked their semifinal ticket on Saturday after edging Creck Sporting 1-0 on aggregate, courtesy of Maxwell Phodo’s first-half header at Nankhaka Ground.
Reflecting on the win, Karonga United Assistant Coach Crespo Chinkwita praised his team’s fighting spirit but admitted they had aimed even higher.
“We knew that when we came here, the scoreline would start from two goals upwards, but we did not achieve our desire because we wanted three goals,” said Chinkwita.
Meanwhile, Mighty Wanderers Head Coach Bob Mpinganjira accepted the result with humility saying, “We have lost 2-0, and that’s how football is. We tried to play well but we could not get the victory. We are disappointed; we will go back and see how we can improve for the future,” he said.
Karonga United’s fairytale run continues, while Wanderers are left to pick up the pieces after another frustrating exit from Malawi’s premier knockout competition.
