The 2026 Airtel Top 8 Cup is living up to its billing. It goes with the slogan “Zamadolo” — and yes, it is exactly that.
The usual dominant sides, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers, will not be in the final of the tournament this season after falling to Ekhaya and Karonga United respectively.
This will be the first time in the history of the tournament that neither Bullets nor Silver will feature in the final. Either Bullets or Silver, or both, have reached the final of the tournament every year since 2017.
More importantly, Silver and Bullets are the two most successful teams in the Airtel Top 8, with the Blantyre-based side having won four trophies in six finals, while Silver have claimed two trophies in five finals.
Karonga Stun Silver
Karonga United, who shook up their technical panel just last week — with Audlow Makonyola suspended and Chris Crespo Chinkwita taking charge in an interim capacity — have done what many never thought possible.
Ingwina have become the first team in the history of the Airtel Top 8 to overcome a two-goal deficit and claim a 3-2 aggregate win.
They were beaten 2-0 in the Capital City in the first leg, but a spirited performance saw them turn the game on its head.
Lenox Kiwambe, who replaced Walusungu Gondwe at the break, did the damage to Silver as he bundled home his effort after receiving a good ball from Godfrey Sibale in the 61st minute.
He then turned provider, setting up Sibale to score the second goal seven minutes later. Kiwambe completed his brace after pouncing on William Mwaliwimba’s pass.
Following the win, Karonga are hoping to reach their second Airtel Top 8 final, but they will have to beat Wanderers in the semi-final to get there.Chinkwita praised his players for their performance in the game, saying they gave it their all.
“People never gave us a chance, but a cup game is different from league games. Football is dynamic — 90 minutes is too long,” he said.
Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mgangira blamed officiating for the defeat, saying it played a big role in Karonga’s win.
Wanderers’ second Airtel Top 8 Dream Remains Alive
The two goals Mighty Wanderers scored in the first leg proved vital, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Creck Sporting Club in the second leg at Aubrey Dimba on Sunday.
Ramadan Ntafu gave Creck the lead in the first half, but for the third time in four matches, Wanderers had to come from behind to level matters, with Sama Tanjong scoring a worldie of a scissor kick in the second half.
They also came from behind to draw 1-1 against Goshen City, Dedza Dynamos, and Ekhaya in league matches. Bob Mpinganjira, head coach for Wanderers, said his players played well to reach this stage of the tournament.
“It was a tough game, but I’m happy that we have progressed to the next round, and whoever comes, we are ready for the battle,” said Mpinganjira.
Ernest Mtawali praised his players for their performance against Wanderers and said it should be a stepping stone for his team.
Ekhaya End Bullets’ Dominance
In action that took place on Saturday, Ekhaya FC ended Bullets’ dominance in the tournament, beating them on penalties after both legs ended 1-1, with the aggregate score finishing 2-2.
Allen Chihana gave Ekhaya the lead at Mpira Stadium in the first half, but Bullets battled back in the second half, with Peter Banda scoring a marvellous free-kick to push the game to penalties, which Ekhaya won 7-6.
Meanwhile, Blue Eagles dumped Civil Service United out of the quarter-finals, progressing to the semis on the away-goals rule after the game at Civo Stadium ended 1-1.
The Area 30-based cops had played out a goalless draw at home in the first leg. Saulos Moyo scored for Civil Service in the first half, but Micium Mhone’s goal early in the second half pushed Eagles into the last four of the tournament for the fourth time in their five attempts.
Civil Service have now failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals six times in their seven appearances in the tournament. In the semi-finals, Ekhaya will face Karonga United, while Wanderers will take on Blue Eagles. Dates and venues will be announced by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).
