Silver Strikers had to brave the torrid moments of a post-match penalty shootout to win the 2025 FDH Bank Cup, beating Mighty Wanderers 5-4 on penalties.
The match ended one all in regulation time.
The Lali Lubani outfit were the first to find the back of the net at 24 minutes when Blessings Singini headed home a corner at the near post.
The goal brought energy to the Blantyre-based side as they controlled possession and nearly doubled their lead, but the Maxwell Paipi, Nickson Mwase, and Innocent Shema marshalled defense held firm.
The Central Bankers went to recess behind. At the break, Silver Strikers made a double change bringing out Dan Sandukira and Ernest Petro for Charles Chipala and Chinsisi Maonga.
In the second half, the Area 47-based side showed zeal to return to the match as the side pressed for a goal.
At 75 minutes, Maxwell Paipi converted a spotkick after Mighty Wanderers conceded a penalty through a handball.
In added time, the Bankers made another double substitution, bringing on Binwell Katinji and Emmanuel Allan for Zebron Kalima and Andrew Joseph.
In post-match penalties, the Central Bankers carried the day after Paipi, Shema, Katinji, Maonga, and Mwase converted their spotkicks.
The win means Silver Strikers has won the FDH Bank Cup for the second time. The side won the inaugural Cup in 2021.
In post-match interviews, Coach Peter Mgangira expressed excitement saying the boys gave it all and a win was a good token to take home.
“I am very happy that we have won the game and it feels so good. We are coming from a position that many doubted us but we have done it. Speaking about the game, this was a tough match against a good opponent and the boys came to the party and showed their brilliance. We are happy to be crowned champions,” said Mgangira.
The win comes after the Central Bankers lost in the Airtel Top 8 earlier this year.