Fomo FC and Bangwe All Stars kissed the TNM Super League goodbye after their fate was sealed yesterday.
Mulanje-based Fomo were held to a goalless draw by Karonga United at Mulanje Park Stadium whilel Bangwe suffered a 1-4 defeat to Creck Sporting Club at Balaka Stadium.
But there were electrifying sights and roaring sounds at Karonga Stadium where Chitipa United survived the chop following their 2-1 win over already relegated Baka City FC.
For the Mulanje-based Fomo, who were promoted at the start of the season, they had to endure a painful experience, having bowed out on goal difference after tying on 29 points with Chitipa.
To make matters worse, they saw their world crumble when Afana Amini missed a penalty awarded after a foul in the box.
In a post-match interview, Fomo coach Elvis Kafoteka blamed the loss on his charges’ attitude.
He said: “ It’s very painful. When we beat Silver Strikers midweek, the boys got carried away. As a result, there was no hunger today, no determination whatsoever and we have paid the price.”
On the missed penalty, the former Flames vice-captain said: “A senior player taking that penalty would have been a better option, but they all avoided it and it was Amin who showed strong character to take it.
“Penalties are lottery, you can score or miss.”
On his part, Bangwe coach Trevor Kajawa admitted that his players put up a poor show.
“We just didn’t turn up, we didn’t play and we couldn’t have won,” he said.
Chitipa United coach Christopher Nyambose was the happiest man after surviving relegation.
“I said it that we will survive and it has happened. Thanks to the boys, they gave their all,” he said.
“We had self-belief, it would have been bad for people of Chitipa had we been relegated, it’s a big relief.”
He also took time to thank Karonga United for playing a part in their survival.
“Thanks so much to Karonga for holding Fomo, without them, we would have been relegated,” said Nyambose.
Fomo and Bangwe have joined Baka City, who were the first to be relegated.
Bangwe have finished second from the bottom with 27 points while Baka wound up with 13 points.
Elsewhere, Silver Strikers were officially crowned champions after thumping PremierBest Dedza Dynamos 5-1 at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe while Mighty Mukuru Wanderers sealed a runners-up slot with a 3-1 Victory over Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium to take their tally to 58 points.
Third-placed FCB Nyasa Bullets also edged Kamuzu Barracks 1-0 to finish third with 55 points in the 16-team league.
Mzuzu City Hammers, who finished fourth with 48 points, also finished in style with a 0-3 win over Mafco.
