Much improved Ntopwa Women FC lifted the 2022 Fam National Championship after beating impressive Ascent Academy 5-3 on post-match penalties at Mpira Stadium Monday.
The game ended one-all in regulation time.
Ntopwa started the match brightly launching series of attacks but Ascent contained the pressure before they launched their own attacks.
Ascent did not take time to settle and their playmaker Rose Kabzere was a delight to watch with her runs and dribbles that left opponents dazed and entertained fans.
It was a balanced and entertaining affair but Ascent were livelier in attack forcing Ntopwa goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo to make a string of saves to keep her team in the game.
After resumption, Ascent looked the more likely side to score but it was Ntopwa who had the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when Shabelo Bengo opened the scoring.
The lead did not last long as Kabzere underlined her growing reputation with an equaliser after turning Bengo into a villain from a heroin in the 68th minute.
During the penalties, Ntopwa scored through Funny Magombo, Konda Banda, Mary Chindeya, Olivia Phikani and Bengo while Maggie Chavula, Kabzere and Leticia Chinyamula scored for Ascent.
However, Atuwemi Njilima, who had a grand game, missed her spot kick to hand Ntopwa an advantage.
Ascent Coach Thom Mkolongo said his side paid dearly for failing to utilise their chances.
“Our finishing was not ok. This is what happens when you fail to utilise their chances you create. Nevertheless, last year we reached the semifinals and this year we reached the final. Next year we will be hoping to win,” he said.
Ntopwa Technical Director and owner Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman said they had accomplished their mission.
“People were not giving a chance to succeed. Ascent is a good team. We missed the services of our defender Rose Alufandika so we had to deploy Bengo at the back. At the end of the day, we won,” he said.
In a third-place clash, FCB Nyasa Bullets Women settled for bronze after defeating DD Sunshine 4-3 on penalties.
The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu, National Women’s Football Association Chairperson Adelaide Migogo and Malawi National Council of Sports Board Chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise watched the final.
