Ntopwa, Fomo clash in ThumbsUp final
ThumbsUp Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) League Premier Division will identify champions and top-flight league ambassadors this afternoon as Ntopwa FC and Fomo FC clash in the final at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
While Ntopwa eye to return in the TNM Super League after two seasons, Fomo are determined to secure their first-ever promotion to the elite football after playing in the lower leagues for over 20 years.
But if the results of the two legged semi-finals are anything to go by, then expect nothing less than a crunchy encounter that will keep spectators on the edge of the seats.
Blantyre-based Ntopwa, saw off Zomba Airwing 5-6 on post-match penalties to reach the final.
Mulanje-based Fomo eliminated defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets with a 2-0 aggregate win. They won the first leg 2-0 at home before registering a goalless draw away in the final leg.
Ntopwa technical director Isaac Jomo Osman yesterday said they are confident of winning the second-tier league title and head back to elite football action.
“Our goal is to play in the Super League again and we know that winning the ThumbsUp league title this Sunday is the only way we can succeed,” he said.
“Our boys are aware of the importance of this game and they will give their all.”
Fomo coach Mapopa Msukwa said they have left no stone unturned for a historical second-tier league title success and a triumphant entry into the Super League.
“We know it will not be an easy task to fulfil our dreams considering that we are facing a strong opposition at their backyard. However, anything is possible in football if we work hard,” he said.
Ntopwa’s striker Clever Chikwata is assured of landing the golden boot unless Fomo’s James Msowoya defies the odds to score at least nine goals in the final.
Chikwata has 18 goals, two ahead of Bangwe All Stars Reserves’ Jamis Tepani.
Meanwhile, ThumbsUp League sponsors Rab Processors Limited on Friday dressed the finalists at its head office in Blantyre.
The match will be preceded by a curtain-raiser between Rab Processors Socials and Blantyre Media Stars. n
