Cowboys create history! Debutants Ekhaya stun giantsWanderers to lift Airtel Top 8 crown

Ekhaya Football Club wrote themselves into the history books on Sunday, stunning Malawian football giants Mighty Wanderers with a thrilling 2-1 victory in the Airtel Top 8 final at Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe — becoming the first debutants ever to win the prestigious trophy.

The final delivered every bit of the drama fans had hoped for, with Wanderers starting brightly and piling on early pressure as they searched for a foothold in the contest.

But it was Ekhaya who struck first, handed a golden opportunity when Wanderers defender Stanley Sanudi committed a costly error inside his own penalty area. The referee pointed straight to the spot, and Blessings Malinda made no mistake from twelve yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to fire the Cowboys into a 1-0 lead.

Wanderers hunted for an equaliser for the remainder of the first half but found Ekhaya’s resistance too strong, with the Cowboys heading into the break still ahead.

The Nomads finally got their reward just after the hour mark, as Mphatso Kamanga slotted home to level the score at 1-1 and swing momentum firmly back in Wanderers’ favour.

But rather than wilt, Ekhaya hit back in style. Star man Allen Chihana restored their advantage with a crucial strike to make it 2-1, leaving Wanderers with a mountain to climb in the closing stages.

With the clock ticking down, Ekhaya switched into game-management mode, slowing the tempo and doing everything in their power to see out the win. Wanderers threw everything forward in search of a leveller, but the Cowboys’ defence refused to budge.

When referee blew the final whistle, it was Ekhaya’s players and fans who erupted in wild celebration — crowned Airtel Top 8 champions in their maiden campaign, a feat no side had ever managed before.