By Yamikani Simutowe, Contributor
Ekhaya FC have etched their name into Zamadolo Airtel Top 8 history, becoming the first debutants to win the prestigious trophy since Silver Strikers’ inaugural triumph in 2017.
2026 Airtel Top 8 – Season 9 winners: Ekhaya FC – picture by FAM Media.
In only their second season in Malawi’s top-flight, the Cowboys clinched their maiden major trophy in a final dubbed a “family affair.” The clash carried added intrigue as Ekhaya’s President, William Mpinganjira, is the son of Thom Mpinganjira, who serves as President and sponsor of Mighty Wanderers—their opponents in the final.
It was all smiles for the son as the Cowboys defeated the Nomads 2-1 to win the trophy in their maiden season in the tournament, earning K40 million in Airtel prize money, while the losing finalists will receive K14 million.
The edition involved eight premiership sides namely FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Mighty Wanderers, Creck Sporting, Blue Eagles, Civil Service United, Karonga United and Ekhaya FC.
Wanderers, who won the 2022 edition, reached the final after a 3-1 aggregate victory over Creck Sporting and a post-match penalty shootout win against Blue Eagles in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.
Ekhaya’s path to glory was equally demanding, as they stunned four-time winners FCB Nyasa Big Bullets through post-match penalties in a two-legged quarterfinal, edged Karonga United 2-1, and then overcame Wanderers in the decisive showdown—rewriting the narrative of the competition.
Allen Chihana secured Golden Boot Award with four goals- picture by Ekhaya FC Media.
Striker Allen Chihana emerged as the tournament’s standout performer, claiming the Golden Boot with four goals. Remarkably, he found the net in every match—against Bullets (2), Karonga United (1), and Wanderers (1)—cementing his place in Airtel Top 8 folklore.
Chihana’s tally eclipsed the records of Khumbo Ng’ambo (Wanderers), Lanjesi Nkhoma (Bullets) and Silver Strikers duo Chinsinsi Maonga and Festus Duwe, who each won the Golden Boot with three goals in 2017, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively.
With this triumph, Ekhaya have not only lifted their first major trophy but also reshaped the competitive landscape of Malawian football, signaling the arrival of a new force in the domestic game.
Ekhaya defeated the tournament favourites, Bullets and Wanderers, marking the Cowboys’ first-ever victories over the country’s giants. They showcased their determination and resilience by overcoming Karonga United, who themselves had made history by overturning a 2-0 first-leg quarterfinal defeat with a stunning 3-0 victory over Silver Strikers in the reverse fixture.
Ekhaya FC head coach Enos Chatama attributed their victory to defensive discipline and effectively cutting off supply lines to counter the opponents’ aerial threats.
Ekhaya FC coach Enos Chatama and players in emotional celebration- picture by Mlatho Media.
Despite the win, Chatama acknowledged that his team still has room for improvement, noting they are not yet at the level of their opponents, Wanderers, who displayed quality football.
He also reflected on the team’s progression and the importance of developing winning habits, expressing optimism about their future.
“I told the boys that if it’s our day, it’s our day. Let’s concentrate, defend properly, and hit them on counterattacks. The defensive discipline was there. We have won, and now we must look forward to the future of the team.
“Today, I’m going to eat. I’m happy as a coach, though winning a cup is not everything. What matters most is the future of the team. There is still a lot of work to be done for this team to become better,” he added.
Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira acknowledged the defeat but praised his team’s effort.
Mpinganjira noted that although they tried their best, the team lacked creativity and managed to score only one goal.
He emphasized the importance of accepting the result and working harder in preparation for upcoming matches.
“Very disappointing result for us, but at the same time, it’s a game of football. That’s what happens. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose.
“We tried our best. The guys played very well, only that perhaps we were not creative enough. From the beginning, we scored just one goal, while our opponents scored two. That’s what made the difference. We lost, but we must accept the result. It’s not the end of the world. We need to wake up and work hard in the games ahead,” Mpinganjira said in a post-match interview a few hours before his unceremonious suspension following the tdefeat.
Eyes on the ball: Ekhaya captain Andrew Lameck and Clement Nyondo- picture by FAM Media
Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya congratulated Ekhaya FC for emerging champions of the 2026 Airtel Top 8 (Season 9).
Haiya said the Season 9 winners have proved that there is power in belief and hard work.
“Being your maiden season in the competition, you have displayed passion, desire and hunger for success,” said Haiya.
Airtel Malawi plc Head of Brand and Communication, Norah Chavula Chirwa, expressed satisfaction with the level of competition and excellence demonstrated in Season 9.
Chirwa noted that shocking results are what made the tournament more exciting, highlighting the achievement of Madolo in Ekhaya FC, who demonstrated resilience and progressed from the quarterfinals to defeat the Nomads in the final.
“As a company, we are happy with the excitement and memories we have created for teams, players, and fans. Some are happy, others are in tears. That’s the beauty of football, and we are pleased with the level of competition and progress,” said Chirwa.
Airtel Malawi plc started sponsoring the tournament in 2017, and the sponsorship has steadily grown over the years. It now stands at K655 million, up from K234 million in 2024. Prize money was revised upwards, from K30 million in 2024 to K35 million in 2025, and further to K40 million this year.
Wanderers and Ekhaya FC players fighting for a ball- picture by FAM Media
Player of the tournament and top goal scorer will receive K2 million and K1.35 million, respectively. Every man of the match in every game was receiving K140,000 each.
The 2026 Zamadolo Top 8 – Season 9 has produced 23 goals. The inaugural tournament in 2017 recorded 28 goals, while the 2018 and 2019 editions each produced 12. A total of 28 goals were scored in 2021, 2022, and 2023, while the 2024 and 2025 editions each recorded 21 goals.
Since the Airtel Top 8 began, Golden Boot winners have typically scored 2–3 goals, likely due to the short format of the competition.
However, former Big Bullets forward Babatunde Adepoju still holds the all-time record with 9 goals, including an extraordinary 8 in the 2021 edition.
In 2018, Joseph Kamwendo of Mighty Wanderers claimed the Golden Boot with two goals. In 2019, Khuda Myaba of Silver Strikers won the award after scoring two goals.
In 2021, Babatunde Adepoju (now in Mozambique) secured the Golden Boot after netting 8 goals.
In 2022, the top scorers were Lanjesi Nkhoma of Big Bullets, Clement Nyondo (when he was at Dedza Dynamos), and Chiukepo Msowoya of Wanderers, each with two goals.
Silver Strikers won the 2017 and 2019 editions, Blue Eagles claimed the 2018 title, Mighty Wanderers triumphed in 2022, and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets dominated with victories in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The 2026 season is done and dusted. Wanderers fell short in the family affair final as debutants Ekhaya signaled a new era in Malawian football by clinching Zamadolo season 9 – Airtel Top 8 glory in their historic debut.
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