By Suleman Chitera
Karonga United Reserves have etched their name into regional football history after clinching the inaugural Northern Region U23 National Bank Championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over Chamaliwa FC at Luwinga Technical Centre Ground.
The junior Ingwinas delivered a disciplined and tactically mature performance, breaking down a resilient Chamaliwa side with three well-taken second-half goals to seal the title in emphatic fashion.
Second-Half Brilliance Seals the Deal
After a balanced first half in which both sides probed cautiously, Karonga United Reserves raised the tempo after the break.
Michael Mwalilino opened the scoring in the 61st minute, capitalizing on sustained pressure to give his side a deserved lead. The breakthrough shifted the momentum decisively in favour of the champions, who began to dominate possession and territory.
As Chamaliwa FC pushed forward in search of an equalizer, spaces opened at the back. Madalo Afiki doubled the advantage in the 87th minute, effectively putting the contest beyond reach. Paul Mlungu then put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time (90+2), capping off a clinical display and sparking celebrations among the Karonga faithful.
Praise for Talent and Organization
Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) Chairperson, Masiya Nyasulu, hailed the tournament as a success, commending both the sponsors and organizers for delivering a well-coordinated competition that showcased emerging talent from across the region.
Representing the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Second Vice President Lameck Zetu Khonje expressed satisfaction with the level of talent displayed throughout the tournament. He urged coaches to take advantage of the platform to scout and prepare players for possible national team selection.
Khonje also singled out Karonga United Reserves for their progressive leadership structure, notably applauding the club for having a female coach. He described the development as a positive signal for inclusivity and the broader growth of football in Malawi.
A Milestone for Northern Region Football
The maiden edition of the Northern Region U23 National Bank Championship has not only crowned new champions but also reinforced the region’s role as a vital production line for Malawi’s football talent pipeline.
For Karonga United Reserves, the triumph represents more than just silverware—it signals the rise of a new generation ready to compete at higher levels of the game.
