Wanderers, Ekhaya set for Airtel Top 8 final after penalty thriller
Mighty Wanderers Football Club edged their way into the 2026 Airtel Top 8 final after surviving a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Blue Eagles, following a pulsating 1-1 draw in normal time at Silver Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Nomads made the dream start, racing into an early lead just four minutes into the contest after being awarded a penalty following a foul inside the box. Lameck Mithi kept his composure to slot home from the spot, sending Wanderers into an early advantage.
But Blue Eagles refused to be shaken, hitting back with an equaliser of their own in the 27th minute — also from the penalty spot. The goal came after a brilliant surging run from Tonic Viyuyi, who skipped past Emmanuel Nyirenda before being scythed down inside the box. Christian Maluwa stepped up and coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity at 1-1.
The two sides went in level at the break after an entertaining opening 45 minutes that produced chances at both ends.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with both Wanderers and Blue Eagles pushing hard for a winner — but stubborn defending at both ends meant neither side could find the breakthrough.
The match finished locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, forcing the tense semi-final to be settled from 12 yards.
In a dramatic shootout, it was Wanderers who held their nerve when it mattered most, edging out Blue Eagles 5-4 in a shootout that swung on fine margins.
Blue Eagles saw Lanken Mwale, Matthias Nyirenda, Webster Nzunda and Christian Maluwa all find the net from the spot, but the club were left to rue misses from Fahad Mtcheka and Davie Phiri, which ultimately proved costly.
Wanderers, by contrast, were ruthlessly efficient under pressure, with Isaac Kaliati, Muhammad Sulumba, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Promise Kamwendo and Alex Kambilinya all converting confidently. Sama Thierry was the lone Wanderers player to see his effort saved, but it mattered little as his side held on to seal the win.
The dramatic victory sends Mighty Wanderers through to the 2026 Airtel Top 8 final, where they will now face Ekhaya FC in a mouth-watering showdown as both sides look to cap off impressive cup campaigns by lifting the prestigious trophy.
