Chilobwe United receiving a symbolic cheque from Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust Director Andrew Galeta
Anderson Zimena and Frank Chikufenji’s goals after 33 and 81 minutes respectively were enough to end Manjawira’s unbeaten record in the league. The visitors’ consolation goal came through Duli Lidaka at the 75th minute. For becoming champions, Chilobwe received K130 000 and a glittering trophy while Manjawira got K80 000 and a miniature.
Played on a soggy pitch, the game started on a good note with both teams displaying spectacular and satisfying football before the jam-packed stadium. Chilobwe dictated the pace of the game in the opening minutes probing into Manjawira’s territory with ease before the visitors picked up.
Chilobwe celebrating its victory
Zimena, who enjoyed a grand game, put Chilobwe in the lead after a defensive blunder when he pounced on a free ball and latched it into the net. Although they were down by a goal, the Thango Paipi side continued a spirited fight. Youthful striker Hanleck Kaunda and attacking midfielder Francis Paipi displayed skillful football constantly pricking the territory’s defense.
The visitors leveled the scores at 75 minutes through Duli Lidaka, a goal that could be blamed on childish goalkeeping by Kabeson Kagoli. Just when penalty shootouts were looming, substitute Chikufenji grabbed a winner with an effortless header nine minutes to stoppage time.
Paipi conceded the loss saying their finishing line was blunt and congratulated Chilobwe for winning.
“We weren’t sharp upfront. We struggled to finish as our strikers were eclipsed. [And] After that equalizer we relaxed a little bit, that cost us the game. My boys played good football but it wasn’t our day,” said the former Admarc Tigers striker.
His counterpart Fred Datchi said: “It was a balanced game but we played as a team and converted our chances.” Super Rangers secured a third-place with a 2-0 victory over Pack & Go and got K60 000 and a miniature while fourth-placed Pack & Go received K40 000 and a miniature. Phalula Dynamos were voted a Fairplay team and got K20 000.
All the four teams that lost in the quarter-finals each received K10 000. On the individual category Abdul Mpanga (Rangers) and Wyson Sanjika (Pack & Go) each received K10 000 for being top goal scorer and best player of the tournament respectively.
Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust (AYCT) executive director Andrew Galeta said the organization will continue sponsoring the league.