Ekhaya FC are in Airtel Top 8 final after defeating Karonga United 2-1 yesterday at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
Goals from Allen Chihana in the 44th minute and Chimwemwe Chunga in the 73rd minuite were enough to see off the challenge from Karonga.
With the win, Ekhaya will face either Mighty Wanderers or Blue Eagles, who will be battling it out this afternoon at the same venue.
It was a balanced game overall, as both teams committed to attacking football.
Ekhaya FC forward Chihana broke the deadlock with just a minute before half-time to give the Blantyre-based side a lead at recess.
But it did not take long for Karonga to get level.
Ekhaya, under panic, conceded a penalty four minutes into the second-half and Lonex Kiwambe converted from the spot kick.
Both teams pressed looking for the winning goal.
But it was Ekhaya who celebrated at the end after a Chunga gave them the winning goal in the 73rd minute.
Ekhaya FC head coach Enos Chatama was a relieved man after the game
He said: “It was a difficult game. We started slowly, but later we picked up pace. Then we got a goal.
“At recess, I told the boys to be strong and play with purpose. We again picked the pace and scored the second goal.”
Chatama said they are ready to meet any team in the final.
“It’s a great to reach the final. We need now to go back and work on our weaknesses,” he said.
Despite the loss, Karonga coach Chris Crespo Chimkwita said he was proud of his boys.
“The players put up a good performance overall.
“We had few moments we relaxed a bit.
“Though we lost but I am proud of my boys,” he said.
