Chihana eyes Airtel Top 8 Golden Boot

Ekhaya FC in-form forward Allen Chihana is the favourite in the Airtel Top 8 Golden Boot race with three goals as his side face Mighty Wanderers in Sunday’s final at Bingu National Stadium (BNS).

Chihana, who is tied on three goals with Karonga United striker Lennox Kiwambe, has a chance to move clear at the top if he scores in the final.

However, Wanderers striker Lameck Mithi, who has two goals, is also in contention for the award.

Wanderers’ Cameroonian Sama Thierry Tanjong and Blessings Mwalilino, who both have a goal each, also have a chance to vie for the Golden Boot if they can score at least two goals each.

Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Bullets players have dominated the award since the competition was introduced in 2017, but are not in contention this year.

Nomads striker Khumbo Ng’ambi and Dan Katunga of Moyale Barracks shared the award after scoring three goals each in the inaugural competition.

Former Wanderers midfielder Joseph Kamwendo won the award in 2018 with two goals before former  Silver forward Khuda Myaba claimed the accolade in 2019 with two goals as well.

Former competition was not played in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The then Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju dominated the next two editions, winning it in 2021 and 2022 with eight goals.

Bullets’ Lanjesi Nkhoma won the award in 2023 with two goals, followed by Silver’s Chinsinsi Maonga in 2024 with three goals.

Festus Duwe of Silver also finished with three goals to claim the award in 2025.

Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi club licensing and competitions manager Clement Kafwafwa says fans should expect a memorable experience during the final.

“Fans should expect an exciting, competitive and well-organised Airtel Top 8 final. We encourage supporters to come in large numbers and enjoy the match,” he said.

Kafwafwa said they will also tighten security at BNS.

“We urge supporters to arrive early to avoid congestion,” he said.