Sunbird Nkopola have been crowned champions of the 2026 FAM National Beach Soccer Club Championship after defeating Peninsula Stars 4-1 in the final played at Arnold’s Lakeshore Resort in Nkhotakota.
The six-team tournament produced an entertaining weekend of high-intensity beach soccer, with competitive group stage matches setting the tone for a tightly contested championship.
One of the major talking points was the early exit of defending three-time champions Beach Eagles of Nkhata Bay, who finished bottom of Group A without a win.
In Group B, Sunbird Nkopola made a strong statement with an 11-4 victory over hosts Rank before losing 5-3 to Umodzi of Salima, who topped the group with a perfect record.
The semi-finals saw Sunbird Nkopola overcome Vinthenga to reach the final, while Peninsula Stars edged Umodzi in a closely contested encounter to book their place in the title match.
In the final, Sunbird Nkopola delivered a composed and clinical performance, taking a 1-0 lead after the first period before extending their advantage and finishing strongly to seal a 4-1 victory.
FAM Vice President Christopher Madalitso Kuyera described the tournament as a success and hailed the growing standards of beach soccer in the country.
“This tournament has shown the growing quality and competitiveness of beach soccer in Malawi. We are impressed with the standard displayed by all teams,” said Kuyera.
Sunbird Nkopola’s consistent performances throughout the competition were rewarded with the national title in Nkhotakota.
