By McLloyd Kudzingo
The TNM Super has finally come to an end and two teams from the Southern Region namely Bangwe All Stars and FOMO FC have been relegated joining Northern Region outfit Baka City FC.
Before the start of the final matches on Saturday, only Baka had no chance of staying in the top flight having been confirmed relegated earlier with a number of games to spare.
Three teams namely Chitipa United, Bangwe All Stars and FOMO FC were trying to avoid the remaining two relegation slots.
In the end, Blantyre-based Bangwe All Stars and Mulanje-based FOMO FC were relegated from the Super League having lost 4-1 and drawing 0-0 against Creck Sporting Club and Karonga United respectively.
Chitipa United dramatically survived the chop following their 3-1 win against Baka City at Karonga Stadium.
Francis Nyirenda, Trouble Kajani and Ken Mulenga were on target for Chitipa while Dickson Mwangonde scored Baka’s consolation.
At Balaka Stadium, Bangwe All Stars who needed all the three points for them to survive,gave out a lackluster performance having conceded an early goal in the 2nd minute of the match.
Talandira Chigadula was the scorer of that first goal after receiving an assist from his captain Haji Wali and Gift Kadawati doubled the lead following a cross from Ademola Ajibola in the 37th minute.
The second half saw the two sides making a number of substitutions as Bangwe brought in Kondwani Chilembwe and Patrick Phiri for Clever Chikwata and Beston Jimu.
Creck coach Joseph Kamwendo on the other hand brought in Jauma Edward, Akuzike Lifa and veteran striker Muhammad Sulumba for Frank Phiri, Vincent Nyangulu and Harvey Nasiyaya .
Later on Bangwe coach Trevor Kajawa replaced Lyton Chinong’one with James Tambwali.
Substitute Muhammad Sulumba increased the lead for the visitors in the 70th minute with a beautiful header after receiving a cross from George Chaomba.
Sulumba completed his brace 8 minutes later with yet another assist from Chaomba to consolidate the win for the Lilongwe-based side who have just joined the top flight this season.
Substitute Patrick Phiri scored Bangwe’s consolation from a direct free-kick following a foul commited by Akuzike Lifa a few meters from the penalty box.
After the match, Creck Sporting player Hardy Ng’andu was voted man of the match.
The win means that Creck have finished the season on position 6 with 42 points level with 7th placed Karonga United who drew 0-0 against FOMO FC at Mulanje Stadium.
Elsewhere, champions Silver Strikers thumped Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 5-2 to finish the 2024 TNM Super League in style as they win the league after 11 years.
Gift Chunga scored a brace with other goals coming from Chimwemwe Idana, Duncan Nyoni and Zebron Kalima while Gift Magola scored all the two goals for the visitors.
In Blantyre, third placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets beat Kamuzu Barracks with an early goal from Stanley Billiati.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers beat Moyale Barracks 2-1 at Mzuzu Stadium with goals coming from Misheck Botomani and Isaac Kaliati. Emmanuel Allan scored Moyale’s consolation.
Mighty Tigers were 1-nil winners against Civil Service United at Mpira Stadium courtesy of a first half goal from Precious Chipungu
In Lilongwe, Mafco FC were hammered at Nankhaka Stadium by Mzuzu City Hammers with goals from Isaiah Nyirenda, Samuel Ademeyi and Isaac Msiska.
Silver Strikers, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mzuzu City Hammers, Civil Service United, Creck SC, Karonga United and Moyale Barracks are the teams that have finished in the Top 8 this season.
