Noel Chimalira inspires Thete FC to Castel Challenge Cup final victory against Kalinyeke

Noel Chimalira was the hero as he produced a man-of-the-match performance to help Thete FC beat Kalinyeke FC 2-1 in the Castel Challenge Cup final at Dedza Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The enterprising winger turned clinical striker gave Happy Chimangeni’s side a 15th-minute lead after catching the Kalinyeke FC defense off guard. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Thete.

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Kalinyeke FC came out transformed in the second half, dominating possession and creating numerous chances, but failed to convert any of their opportunities.

Ten minutes into the second half, Chimalira was brought down in the box by a Kalinyeke defender. Referee Lameck Phiri, who had a clear view of the incident, immediately awarded a penalty to Thete. Beryson Paul stepped up and beautifully converted the spot-kick to double the lead.

Kalinyeke FC, under coach Mayamiko Julius, refused to give up. They pulled one back in the 78th minute through Feliyasi Numeli after a well-worked attacking move, but it proved too little too late for a comeback.

Speaking after the game, Thete FC coach Happy Chimangeni expressed his delight after losing two finals at the same venue last season, including one against Chimbiya Stars in the same competition.

“At long last we have made it through, and this is a motivation to us moving forward,” Chimangeni said.

He revealed his ambition to win all competitions in Dedza this year, noting that his team also leads the Saint Louis High School Dedza District Football League standings.

His counterpart, Mayamiko Julius, attributed the defeat to his team’s lack of focus and seriousness.

Executive member for the Central Region Football Association (CRFA), Joel Twalibu, who represented the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), expressed satisfaction with the final.

“We are happy with what we have seen, and I want to commend Castel for this competition,” Twalibu said.

Dedza District Football Association (DDFA) Chairperson Chiku Watson Babu praised all teams for their performances throughout the competition.

“It was a good competition altogether, and for that we salute the teams,” Babu said.

In the third-place playoff, Dedza Pirates defeated Mkutu FC 4-1.

As champions, Thete FC received K1 million in cash plus medals, while runners-up Kalinyeke collected K400,000 plus medals. The third-placed team received K200,000.

Precious Tsoka of Mkutu finished as the competition’s top scorer with five goals, earning him K50,000.