Chinyolo clinch North women football crown
Chinyolo FC beat Ekwendeni FC 4-3 in post-match penalties to be crowned the Northern Region Presidential women football champions on Saturday.
The champions were totally outplayed for a better part of the match at Katoto Secondary School ground in Mzuzu, but their resilience to draw 0-0 at the end of regulation time, paid dividends.
But credit should go to their goalkeeper Sofaya Mayuni who was in top form throughout. A miss-kick of the last penalty by Ekwendeni’s Elive Phiri gifted them to claim the title.
“We are not disappointed because we played better than our counterparts and we do not trust penalties because it is a 50-50 chance,” Ekwendeni coach Stanley Tchuwa.
Ekwendeni’s Lusungu Muyaba, Mercy Kayira, Sharon Nkhoma and Memory Mithi were outstanding as they gave Chinyolo’ defence marshalled by Mary Milanzi, Fides Kondowe and Victoria Buterezi tough time.
Ekwendeni, were however, consoled as their player Patricia Nyirenda was voted best player of the tournament and received K10 000 (about $40).
Chinyolo, who in the semi-finals beat Kwaito, carted home K300 000 (about $1 200) whereas Ekwendeni, who defeated Karonga Medicals 1-0, pocketed K200 000 (about $800).
Speaking during the prize presentation, guest of honour, Northern Region football committee secretary Masiya Nyasulu hailed the two teams for reaching the finals for the first time in 10 years.
He said this is good progress in women football considering that Kwaito FC had been grabbing the cup for years.
National Women Football Committee chairperson Severia Chalira thanked the State President and the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for the sponsorship, saying it keeps the girls busy from dangerous behaviour.
