The exciting Karonga United Reserves and enterprising Mponela FC have booked their places in the National Bank Championship National Final following semifinal victories over Kababa Academy and QPL Stars respectively.
In the first semifinal, Karonga United Reserves defeated Kababa Academy 2–0, with both goals coming in the second half as Madalo Afiki opened the scoring in the 67th minute before Paul Gift Mulungu sealed the victory with a 90+3 strike to send the Northern Region representatives into the final.
Karonga United Reserves proved too strong for the Eastern Region side, controlling the match and capitalising on their chances to secure a deserved victory.
In the second semifinal, Mponela FC edged QPL Stars 3–1 in an entertaining encounter. Archangel Mayola scored a brace in the 22nd and 36th minutes to give the Central Region side a comfortable lead.
QPL Stars pulled one back through Wezzie Gondwe, who converted from the penalty spot to make it 2–1.
However, Phillip Banda sealed the result in the 86th minute, confirming Mponela FC’s place in the final.
the final is scheduled for Sunday, 21 March 2026, at Champion Stadium in Mponela.
Speaking earlier on during the semi-final draw, National Bank of Malawi Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akosa Hiwa expressed satisfaction with the impact of the competition in its first year of sponsorship.
“As the Bank of the Nation, we are really excited with what we have seen in our first year of sponsorship. We invested K500 million and over 1,700 games were played across 31 districts.
“We will continue providing support as we are pleased with the Transforming the Game agenda,” she said.
In his remarks, FAM Competitions and Licensing, former Flames towering defender, Clement Kafwafwa said the association is committed to identifying and developing talent through grassroots competitions such as the National Bank Championship.
“We are doing everything possible to scout talent and this National Bank Championship has helped us a lot. The transformation of the game agenda requires the corporate world to come in so that, in the end, football wins,” he said.
On Sunday, Kababa Academy will face QPL Stars in the third-place playoff at 12:00, while Mponela FC will take on Karonga United Reserves in the final at 15:00hrs.
“National Bank Championship has helped us a lot.”
Clement Kafwafwa
FAM Competitions and Licensing
