Blantyre-based Griffin Young Stars put up a whirlwind performance to outsmart Zomba-based Green Eagles FC 4-2 in a thrilling FMB U-20 regional final played at Zomba Community Centre ground on Saturday.
The visitors got down to business from the start and secured their first goal barely five minutes into the game. A well-taken free kick by Precious Thom Chipazo outside the goal area whizzed past Eagles goal minder Bright Kambuku for the opener.
A few minutes later, Peter Msowoya doubled the advantage when he fired in a first-time shot from close range after Chipazo had done the spadework on the right. The goal seemed to have doused the home side as they committed a blunder which resulted in Precious Msosa slotting the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
However, Eagles gained momentum and were rewarded when Amidu Mapila pulled one back from the penalty spot after Rafiq Juma had handled in the goal area. Nonetheless, the visitors killed the game off towards the end of the first half when Juma converted a penalty for the fourth goal after Mapila had also handled the ball on the other side.
The second half produced little goalmouth action as both sides struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu commended FMB for considering youth football sponsorship.
“This will advance our goal which is to develop football from the grass roots,” he said.
FMB head of marketing Sylvia Mataka said the competition gives the youngsters an opportunity to showcase their talent.
