(By Vinjeru Ngwira – Malawi)
Chaos erupted at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday, April 20, 2025, after a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Power Dynamos sparked unrest during a fiercely contested Zambian Premier League clash against rivals Nkana FC.
With the match nearing its end and Nkana leading 1-0, the referee’s decision to award a late penalty to Power Dynamos triggered outrage from Nkana supporters. The penalty was converted, leveling the score at 1-1, but emotions quickly boiled over.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of “total chaos” as frustrated fans vandalized parts of the stadium. Security struggled to control the crowd, and several arrests were reported in the aftermath of the incident.
The Zambian Premier League has yet to release an official statement regarding the match or the violence that followed. However, pressure is mounting for a swift and transparent response, especially concerning the officiating.
The incident raises further concerns as Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is currently the only stadium in Zambia certified to host CAF-sanctioned international fixtures. With repairs now needed, the national team could be forced to play its home matches in neighboring countries if the damage is not addressed in time.
Authorities are expected to assess the extent of the damage and announce measures to prevent future disturbances. Meanwhile, football fans across the country continue to debate the controversial decision that changed the course of Sunday’s high-stakes derby.
