Silver Strikers have secured their first Charity Shield after beating Mighty Wanderers in post-match penalties at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Central Bankers won 5-3 in the shootout as George Chikooka saved Blessings Singini’s penalty.
The Area 47 outfit had a lazy start to the match, struggling to create open chances to find a goal.
Zebron Kalima was close to a goal at 8 minutes when he took a shot from a distance but did not make the target.
At 26 minutes, Wanderers took the lead after Sama Thierry took a shot from an easy ball that gave Chikooka no chance for a save.
In the dying minutes of the first half Binwell Katinji, Chinsisi Maonga and Uchizi Vunga were introduced for Gift Chunga, Emmanuel Allan and Festus Duwe. At half time, the Lali Lubani side maintained their lead.
Come second half, Silver Strikers came a changed side. Katinji levelled the scores at 55 minutes after connecting a beautiful pass from Precious Sambani.
At 68 minutes, Blessings Singini’s penalty snatched the lead again for the Nomads after he beat Chikooka with a thunderbolt from a distance. Two minutes later, their captain Lawrence Chaziya was booked for an early shower after a tackle on Chinsisi Maonga.
At 72 minutes, Stanie Davie was introduced for Chikondi Kamanga. A minute later, Zebron Kalima equalized after receiving a throw in from McDonald Lameck.
The game went to post match penalties after the two sides failed to find the back of the net for a third goal.
In post match penalties, Silver Strikers scored all five penalties through Chimwemwe Idana, Innocent Shema, Chinsisi Maonga, McDonald Lameck and Binwell Katinji.
After the match, Mgangira praised his charges for winning saying it was well deserved.
“It was a good match though we had a slow start. This resulted in us conceding a goal in the first half but the boys came back in the game later on. The win today will give confidence to the players going into the new season,” he said.
The result is a redemption as Silver Strikers lost last year’s Shield to Bullets at the same venue.
