Gloriously, Silver Strikers Ladies have advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Goshen FAM Women’s Football Championship after defeating their cross-town rivals, Civil Service Women, 2-0 at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
Goals from Deborah Henry and Chisomo Banda were sufficient to secure a last-four spot for the Area 47 ladies’ side.
The highly contested match was unpredictable from the first whistle as both teams demonstrated a solid passing game that had fans admiring and cheering. However, it took 23 minutes for Silver Strikers Ladies to break the deadlock when Henry headed home a rebound from a free kick taken by Ireen Khumalo after the effort bounced off the bar.
The sky-blue side enjoyed the remainder of the first half, as the goal demoralized their opponents.
At halftime, Silver Strikers Ladies made a substitution, bringing in Chikondi Gondwe for Linda Manda. This change had minimal impact, as the opposing team came out as a changed side.
The second half, however, was not as entertaining as the first; it was filled with unnecessary drama, tempers, and stoppages, but this did not prevent the Area 47 Ladies from securing the win.
In added time, Banda doubled the lead as she finished off an attack that began with Gladys Banda on the left side of the pitch. Gladys spotted Henry, who quickly laid in a through ball for her to finish the play with a single touch.
That goal marked the last action of the match, as Civil was unable to respond.
In post-match interviews, Head Coach Andrew Chikhosi could not hide his excitement about the victory, but he emphasized that they will continue to take it one game at a time.
“I am very happy about the win; this is a derby, so winning it is a must. Congratulations to the girls for their hard work and for following the instructions. We are heading to the semis and look forward to playing another great game as we take each match as it comes,” said Chikhosi.
With the win, Silver Strikers Ladies will face fellow Lilongwe outfit Ascent Academy on Thursday in the tournament’s semifinals.