By Vinjeru Betera Mkandawire…..
There was tears of joy at Karonga Stadium on Tuesday afternoon as newly formed Hope FC defeated Karonga Youngsters by a goal to nil to become the first champions in Karonga District Castel Cup.
It was an entertaining match since these two teams have squads which consist of youngsters which made the game to have the rhythm of the final.
Raphael Nkhoma gave Hope FC an early lead in the first half with a cool finish after receiving a very pass from his teammate to make it one nil and at the end of the first it ended 1-0 in favour of Hope FC.
Second half started with a bang with Karonga Youngsters looking for an early equaliser but their front men were not clinical enough to put the ball in the net and at end of it all Hope FC carried the day by a goal to nil and be confirmed as Champions of 2023 Karonga District Castel Cup Champions.
Chris Chinkwita coach for Hope FC was excited with the win.
“Am very happy we promised our fans that we will carry the day and we have just as said so am very excited as you know this is a new team and people should expect alot from the team as they are many cups ahead of us”. Said Chinkwita
His counterpart Walusungu Mshani said that the game was not on their side and next time they will do better.
” We accept the defeat it was not our day we played really well but could not manage to find a goal so if you don’t score you get punished and I promise we will do better in our next assignments”. Said Mshani
FAM District Football Chairperson Stain Kakakungula said that it was a fruitful tournament and wishes Hope FC all the best in national stage.
“We have witnessed a grant game between these two good sides and we are excited as a committee that we have finalised the district league and now my plea to Hope FC is that they should prepare well for the national phase and make them proud”.
Hope FC walked away with seven hundred thousand kwacha as Champions of 2023 Karonga District Castel Cup Champions