By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Blue Eagles Reserve FC face a do-or-die encounter this afternoon when they take on Airborne Rangers FC in the final match of the 2025 Chipiku Stores Premier Division League at Nankhaka Stadium.
The Malawi Police Service-sponsored side must avoid defeat to keep their championship hopes alive as they battle neck-and-neck with Extreme FC of Mchinji for the league title.
The decisive fixture is expected to attract senior officials from Chipiku Stores, the Central Region Football Association (CRFA), and the Malawi Police Service.
Extreme FC climbed to the summit last week after edging past Eagles Reserve on goal difference, with both teams tied on 62 points.
The Mchinji-based side, who have completed their league programme, have scored 59 goals and conceded 21, giving them a goal difference of 28.
Blue Eagles Reserve, who still have one match to play, have scored 52 goals and conceded 21 for a superior goal difference of 31.
A draw would be enough to see them reclaim top spot and secure the championship.
Eagles Reserve assistant coach Alupheus Nyoni described the match as a final and said the players are fully aware of what is at stake.
“This is our last game and it is very crucial. We cannot afford anything less than a positive result. The boys look good in camp and are eager to play. Pressure has been there throughout the season, but this is a do-or-die game and we believe we will be crowned champions,” said Nyoni.
The cops will draw confidence from the first-round meeting in Salima, where they came from behind to register a 4–3 victory over Airborne Rangers.
Eagles Reserve have enjoyed an impressive campaign following their promotion from the CRFA FAM Moto Division One last season, holding their own against long-established sides in the league. They have won 18 matches, drawn eight and lost three.
Airborne Rangers, however, are also expected to put up a strong fight after dramatically securing their survival in the league during the closing stages of the season.
Airborne Rangers General Secretary Madalo Mkwate admitted that the relegation battle was a wake-up call for the Salima-based side.
“Finding ourselves in a relegation fight was not pleasing for a team with our history. Complacency nearly cost us, but I commend the mid-season signings—they really helped us. We must prepare better during the next pre-season,” said Mkwate.
He added that the final match will be fiercely contested as Airborne Rangers aim to finish the season on a high note.
The Flying Lions are currently 11th on the table with 36 points, having won 10 matches, drawn six and lost 13. They have scored 46 goals and conceded 52.
The winners of this year’s MK25 million Chipiku Stores Premier Division League will receive MK8 million, a trophy and gold medals.
The runners-up will pocket MK3 million, third place MK1.5 million, while the fourth-placed team will earn MK1 million.
Regardless of the outcome between Blue Eagles Reserve and Airborne Rangers, Extreme FC are assured of promotion to the NBS Bank National Division League, as reserve sides are not eligible to compete in the second tier.
