By George Mponda

Karonga, March 17, Mana: Chirumba Barracks Football Club (FC) emerged winners of a one day Tikavote Football Bonanza which was organised by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at Karonga Community Ground on Saturday.

MEC organised the bonanza as one of way of wooing voters to turn out in large numbers on March 26, 2024 to vote in local government by-elections which will be held in the district's three wards, namely Kaporo, Chilanga and Rukulu.

The game between Karonga United FC and Chirumba Barracks FC ended 2-2 after 90 minutes with Allan Msowoya and Saulos Moyo scoring for Karonga while Alex Ngosi and Yabe Mkandawire were the scorers for Chirumba.

During a penalty shootout, Chirumba Barracks FC emerged winners with a 4-1 margin, walking away with a cup, K100,000 and a ball whilst Karonga United FC received K60,000 and a ball.

Speaking at half time, MEC Commissioner Caroline Mfune called on registered voters to turn out in large numbers on the polling day to cast their vote.

"Let us maintain the peace we have been showing since the campaign period was launched and after voting, let us accept the results without resorting to violence," Mfune said.

Chirumba Barracks FC Coach, Owen Sichali said his side treated the game like any other match thats is why they won the bonanza.

"Despite trailing twice we managed to pick ourselves up and equalise both times and our goalkeeper's heroics in the penalty shootout have won us the game," he said