Mulanje-based side Fomo FC has earned TNM Super League promotion after emerging Thumbs Up Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Premier Division champions.
Sunday, Fomo beat Ntopwa 4-3 on post-match penalties at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to win the division’s title and qualify for Super League promotion.
They have joined Kawinga FC (Centre) and Baka City (North) on their way up to the top flight league.
The match ended one-all in regulation time after Ntopwa, who were itching to return to the top flight league following their relegation in 2021, equalised.
Fomo had a dream start when Chimwemwe Kamowa headed from a corner in the third minute to put his team in the lead.
- Advertisement -
However, Ntopwa did not go out without putting up a fight as they launched a series of attacks, forcing Fomo goalkeeper Noel Phiri to make a double save to maintain their lead.
Eventually, Ntopwa equalised in the 16th minute through Japhet Kamdzimbi to keep the tie wide open up to the 90th minute.
Following shootout success, Fomo players and fans basked in wild celebrations.
Fomo Coach Mapopa Msukwa said they had achieved their goal.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
“Our goal was to win the championship and earn Super League promotion. It feels good that our dream of playing in the Super League has been fulfilled,” the former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Flames forward said.
On his part, Ntopwa Technical Director Isaac Jomo Osman suspected that “match-fixing” was at play following the sudden change of officiating personnel.
“We played the game under protest after the initial set of match officials was changed suddenly. We suspect that match-fixing was at play. Nevertheless, my players were outstanding,” Osman said.
Fomo will pocket K10 million for emerging champions while Ntopwa will take home K3 million.
Last season, Red Lions (South), Extreme FC and Blue Eagles (Centre) were relegated from the TNM Super League.
