Ninety minutes were not enough to separate Ascent Academy and Silver Strikers Ladies, as it took post-match penalties for the Area 47 side to cruise to the final of the 2024 Goshen FAM Women’s Football Championship on Thursday.
In post-match penalties, Silver Strikers Ladies won 4-2 after Gladys Banda, Chisomo Banda, Ireen Khumalo, and Eluby Bottoman converted their spot kicks.
In 2023, the two sides met in the National Championship at a similar stage, but Ascent Academy won.
Today, both teams played a tight game. They looked to open up the opponent, but their defense held strong, so it was not surprising to see the two sides go to recess goalless.
The second half came with exciting goal-scoring opportunities as five minutes into the second half, Khumalo hit the woodwork from a free kick. At the 57th minute, captain Ruth Nyirongo handled the ball in the eighteen-yard box while attempting to clear it, granting the opponents a penalty. The proceeding penalty was saved by goalkeeper Ireen Sibande.
Substitute Gladys Banda hit the woodwork again after Chikondi Banda won possession in midfield and set up Banda.
The game went to penalties after both sides failed to find a goal in regulation time. Ascent Academy missed three spot-kicks to grant Silver Strikers Ladies a chance to finish off the match.
Head Coach Andrew Chikhosi describes the win as sweet revenge saying a good result was what his side needed today.
“We are so excited about reaching the finals. Last year we went out of the tournament in the semi-finals after we lost to Ascent and beating them today is something we needed to do to clear up what happened to us last year. The final is on Saturday, I think we need to return to the training ground quickly and work with the girls on a plan on how to win the final,” said Chikhosi.
Silver Ladies will on Saturday face the winner between Topik FC and Ntopwa Queens.
