FAM releases 2025/26 Airtel Top 8 schedule

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has officially announced the match dates for the 2025/26 Airtel Top 8 tournament, with the highly anticipated competition set to commence on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

This prestigious tournament, which features the top eight teams from the previous TNM Super League season, will serve as the first major cup competition of the new football calendar.

Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will kick off their title defense with a thrilling encounter against Creck Sporting Club at Kamuzu Stadium in the official opening match on April 12. Bullets, who have been dominant in Malawian football, will look to set the tone for yet another successful campaign after defending it last year.

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The quarterfinal action will continue the following weekend, with Mighty Wanderers taking on Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday, April 19. This match is expected to be a fierce battle as Wanderers, one of Malawi’s most successful clubs, seek to make a deep run in the tournament.

On the same weekend, Mzuzu City Hammers will square off against Civil Service United at Mzuzu Stadium, promising another exciting showdown for football fans in the northern region.

The first leg of the quarterfinals will conclude on Monday, April 21, when Silver Strikers host Moyale at Silver Stadium. Silver Strikers, a team with a strong history in the competition, will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a favorable result before the return leg.

The second legs of the quarterfinals will see Karonga United hosting Mighty Wanderers at Karonga Stadium on Saturday, April 26, while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Creck Sporting Club will meet again at a venue to be confirmed the following day, Sunday, April 27.

Moyale Barracks will then play host to Silver Strikers at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday, May 17, aiming to overturn any deficit from the first leg. The quarterfinals will wrap up the following day, Sunday, May 18, when Mzuzu City Hammers take on Civil Service United at a venue yet to be determined.

Following the quarterfinal stage, the tournament will progress to the semifinals, scheduled for the weekend of June 28-29. These matches will determine which two teams will battle for supremacy in the grand finale.

The much-anticipated final of the Airtel Top 8 is slated for July 12, 2025. The final showdown will undoubtedly be a high-stakes affair, with the champions not only securing the coveted trophy but also earning bragging rights as the best team in the competition.

The Airtel Top 8 has grown into one of Malawi’s most prestigious cup competitions, attracting top teams and providing exciting football action. Notably, only three clubs—FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers, and Silver Strikers—have participated in every edition of the tournament since its inception.