The TNM Super League season ended in dramatic fashion as Friends of Mulanje Orphans (FOMO) Football Club and Bangwe All Stars, both from the Southern Region, suffered relegation. The final day delivered a mix of triumph and despair in the rebranded elite league, leaving FOMO relegated on goal difference and Bangwe outclassed by a resurgent CRECK Sporting Club.
FOMO FC: Margins Define a Painful Exit
FOMO FC’s survival bid came down to razor-thin margins, as they finished level on 29 points with Chitipa United but fell short on goal difference. Their campaign unravelled despite glimpses of resilience, including a shock midweek 1-0 victory over Silver Strikers that had rekindled hopes of survival.
Needing a win in their final fixture against Karonga United, FOMO faltered at the crucial moment, succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat. A late penalty miss by Afana Amin, on loan from Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, epitomized their struggles in high-pressure moments.
The Lions of Sapitwa displayed strong home form, winning seven matches at Mulanje Park, but their abysmal away record—just one win in 15 games—proved fatal. Interim coach Elvis Kafoteka acknowledged the psychological toll on his players:
“After beating Silver Strikers, we got carried away. Today’s game lacked the intensity and focus we needed. The players lacked the motivation and tactical discipline required to execute our plan.”
Karonga United, on the other hand, executed a disciplined game plan to ensure their spot in the Top 8 with 42 points. Team Manager Bennie Mwahimba credited their tactical cohesion:
“We approached this game to secure a result for Top 8 football. Our defensive structure was solid, and the point was critical for us.”
Chitipa United: Late Rally Saves the Season
Chitipa United’s great escape from the drop zone was a masterclass in tactical resolve. The Inkhalamu Zga ku Chitipa, who spent most of the season in the relegation dogfight, secured back-to-back wins in their final two matches, climaxing with a 3-1 victory over Baka City FC.
Key to their survival was their superior goal difference over FOMO, having scored 35 goals while conceding 46—a stark contrast to FOMO’s lacklustre attacking output of just 20 goals.
Francis Nyirenda’s early goal in the ninth minute against Baka City set the tone, with the team maintaining their shape and capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities. Coach Christopher Nyambose praised the squad’s tactical discipline:
“We implemented a high-pressing system early to unsettle Baka City. Our finishing and defensive transitions were key. This escape shows the mental fortitude of the team.”
Baka City’s lack of experience at this level was evident, as acknowledged by their Goalkeeper Trainer, Davie Kayira:
“Super League football requires composure and structure. We struggled with defensive organization and decision-making under pressure.”
Bangwe All Stars: Fall from Grace to grave
Bangwe All Stars, who once appeared poised for a Top 8 finish, saw their season unravel due to tactical inconsistency and poor management decisions. Their relegation was confirmed after a humbling 4-1 defeat to CRECK Sporting Club in their final fixture.
CRECK, led by tactical maestro Joseph Kamwendo, exposed Bangwe’s defensive frailties with an aggressive attacking setup. Muhammad Sulumba’s clinical brace in the second half capped off a dominant performance, with earlier goals from Talandira Chigaula and Gift Kadawati.
Bangwe’s lone response came through Patrick Phiri in the dying minutes, but it was a mere consolation. Assistant coach Trevor Kajawa lamented the team’s tactical naivety:
“We failed to adapt to CRECK’s high press and lacked defensive organization. The changes in the second half couldn’t address the structural issues in our midfield.”
Kamwendo, reflecting on CRECK’s performance, highlighted their strategic preparation:
“We focused on early transitions to unsettle Bangwe. Scoring early allowed us to dictate the tempo and control the game. It’s satisfying to secure Top 8 football through disciplined execution.”
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Rebuilding
For FOMO FC and Bangwe All Stars, relegation to the National Division League marks the beginning of a challenging rebuilding phase. The focus will need to shift toward squad restructuring, tactical refinement, and mental fortitude to chart a return to the Super League.
Meanwhile, Chitipa United and Karonga United will look to consolidate their positions, with the former riding the momentum of a dramatic survival and the latter aiming to improve their Top 8 standing.
As the curtain falls on this captivating TNM Super League campaign, the season’s highs and lows underscore the intricate tactical battles and mental resilience required in elite Malawian football.
