A throw in, a flick, then a crisp final touch and Silver Strikers’ 28-match unbeaten run in the TNM Super League was over.
The clock at Mulanje Park Stadium read 86th minute when Prince Kajole scored a priceless goal for Fomo FC.
There were scenes so lovely as the hosts celebrated a win that could prove vital in their fight against relegation.
The enduring image was a visibly dejected Bankers’ coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda with hands in his pockets and head hung in disappointment as ecstatic Fomo fans chanted “Wayilira! Wayilira Peter Mponda!”
In an interview, he said: “We did not deserve to win this match. I am very disappointed with both the performance and result.
“Maybe the boys were relaxed and switched off having sealed the title, but that should not be an excuse. [Fomo coach] Elvis Kafoteka and his boys deserved the three points.”
Kafoteka, who was his Flames vice-captain when Malawi ended their 26-year wait to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2010, was visibly relieved.
“We thank God. It was an even, but tough match and I should thank my boys for fighting their lungs out. One more game to go [against Karonga] and we’ll give it our best shot,” he said.
Following the victory, the Mulanje-based rookies have moved a place up to 13th with 28 points.
At Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, dethroned champions FCB Nyasa Bullets came from a goal down to beat Karonga United 3-1 to reduce the gap with second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers to just three points.
The Nomads, who played out a one-all draw against Creck Sporting Club at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji, now have 55 points.
But with the Nomads enjoying a better 16-goal difference, it will take something extraordinary for Bullets to dislodge them as it will require Wanderers to lose their last match against Moyale Barracks by a wide margin while Bullets will have to win by a cricket scoreline against Kamuzu Barracks.
In the match in Blantyre, Karonga took the lead through Nickson Nyasulu’s own goal following a poor back pass to his goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu, but the People’s Team drew level through their captain Gomezgani Chirwa just before half time.
Earlier on, Bullets’ Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju missed a penalty awarded after a foul.
The People’s Team scored two more goals in the second half through Ephraim Kondowe and Stanley Billiat in the 54th and 60th minute, respectively.
In another match, Chitipa United boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Moyale Barracks at Karonga Stadium.
