Andrew Mdzumira
Mponela FC on Sunday afternoon was crowned champions of the 2025 National Bank Under-23 Championship following a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Karonga United Reserve at Champion Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.
The final proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides failing to break the deadlock during regulation time. After 90 minutes of goalless football, the match was decided via penalties.
Mponela held their nerve in the shootout, converting three of their spot-kicks and missing one. Karonga managed to score only two penalties while missing three, handing the title to the home side.
Goalkeeper Edward Dzuwa emerged as the hero for Mponela, producing two crucial saves during the shootout. His counterpart, Mastano Mziza, also impressed by saving two penalties, but it was not enough to deny Mponela victory.
Speaking after the match, Mponela head coach Pascal Chirwa expressed his delight with the triumph and praised his players for their determination.
“It was a tough game. The boys were well prepared, and Karonga are a very good team,” he said.
Karonga coach Chris Chimkwita acknowledged his team’s effort but lamented their inability to convert chances. He described the match as highly physical and noted concerns over age differences between the two sides.
“My players performed well, but unfortunately we couldn’t score. It was a physical game, and we seemed younger compared to our opponents,” he said.
In the third-place playoff, Kababa Academy secured the bronze medal after a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over QPL Stars.
The tournament, which kicked off on 6 September 2025 in Mangochi, followed a structured format starting at district level, progressing to regional stages, and culminating in the national finals.
Mponela, as champions, have received K10 million, while runners-up Karonga went home with K4 million. Kababa Academy, who finished third, walk away with K2 million.
This victory marks a historic achievement for Mponela FC as they become the inaugural winners of the National Bank Under-23 Championship.
