Automotive Futsal Academy secured a dramatic and hard-fought 3-2 victory over Mudi Stars to successfully defend their Triphen FAZ Premier Futsal League title in Lusaka. The second leg of the championship final series was played at the Automotive Futsal Arena, where the defending champions completed a 6-4 aggregate win after also taking a 3-2 victory in the first leg on Wednesday. The result confirmed Automotive’s dominance in the league as they delivered under pressure in a tightly contested final. The match carried high expectations as both teams entered with strong momentum and a clear target of lifting the trophy. Automotive showed composure, discipline and attacking quality at key moments to seal back-to-back league titles. The atmosphere reflected the importance of the occasion, with both sides pushing intensity from the first whistle.
Going into the decisive fixture, Automotive Futsal Academy understood that a win would confirm their championship defence without the need for further matches. That clarity of purpose shaped their approach, and they started with controlled possession and sharp attacking transitions. Their game plan focused on early pressure and capitalizing on defensive gaps from Mudi Stars. The opening half produced a breakthrough when James Zulu scored a well-placed goal that gave Automotive a 1-0 lead before halftime. That goal shifted momentum and allowed the champions to manage the game more confidently as they went into the break with an advantage. Mudi Stars, however, remained within reach and prepared for a strong response in the second half.
The second half began with high intensity from Automotive Futsal Academy, who quickly extended their lead. Just three minutes after the restart, Chota Chileshe found the net to make it 2-0 and place his team in a commanding position. At that stage, Automotive looked set to close out the tie comfortably, but Mudi Stars responded with determination and attacking urgency. Hendrix Kabulo pulled one goal back in the 25th minute, reducing the deficit and reigniting belief within the challengers. Moments later, Mostafa Hamad scored to level the match at 2-2, turning the final into a tense and unpredictable contest. The comeback shifted momentum and placed pressure on both teams as the match approached its closing stages.
With the game finely balanced and the aggregate result still in focus, Automotive Futsal Academy showed resilience and championship experience. They maintained structure while searching for a decisive moment in attack. That moment arrived in the 37th minute when Jackson Simwami scored the winning goal to restore Automotive’s lead at 3-2 on the night. The goal proved decisive and secured the victory, confirming their overall 6-4 aggregate triumph. The final minutes tested their defensive discipline as Mudi Stars pushed for another equalizer, but Automotive held firm. The final whistle confirmed a successful title defence and another major achievement for the Lusaka-based futsal side.
The final also highlighted individual excellence across the league, with Kitwe Bullets forward Felix Sikanyika finishing the season as top scorer with an outstanding 42 goals. His scoring record reflected consistent performance and strong attacking output throughout the campaign. The championship match attracted significant attention from senior football and sports officials, underlining the growing profile of futsal in Zambia. The Football Association of Zambia delegation included Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe, Technical Director Sunday Kayuni, Head of Communications Nkweto Tembwe, Head of Administration Francis Limande and Coaches Education Officer Chris Chibuye. The presence of the National Sports Council of Zambia representative Richard Ndanzye and National Olympic Committee of Zambia General Secretary Boniface Kambikambi further emphasized institutional support for the sport. Their attendance highlighted the importance of structured development and continued investment in futsal.
The victory reinforced Automotive Futsal Academy’s position as a dominant force in the Triphen FAZ Premier Futsal League. Their ability to perform in high-pressure moments across both legs of the final showed tactical maturity and strong team cohesion. The back-to-back titles reflect consistency, preparation and effective execution of game plans throughout the season. The final also demonstrated the competitiveness of the league, with Mudi Stars pushing the champions to their limits across both matches. As the season concludes, Automotive’s triumph stands as a clear statement of their quality and ambition within Zambian futsal.