Silver Strikers Ladies have finished fourth in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League| COSAFA Qualifier after going down 4-0 against Gaborone United Ladies on Saturday.
This was the first ever appearance for Silver Strikers Ladies at the Southern Africa region tournament.
On Saturday, the team made one change from the side that lost in the semi-final match on Thursday. Mphatso Gondwe was taken out for Yamikani Gondwe.
The Area 47 Ladies side started on a high note as Carol Mathyola hit the post in the first minute of the match.
After hitting the post, the side continued to pile pressure but could not find the back of the net until the break.
Fourteen minutes into the second half, Jessica Maponga for the Red Roses opened the scoring from a rebound after Ireen Sibande made a fantastic save.
At 68 minutes, Carol Mathyola was pulled out for Shukuran Lameck.
At 75 minutes Jessica Modise doubled the lead as she connected a cross from the left. Six minutes later, Video Assist Referee stopped play and awarded the Red Roses a penalty that Modise converted.
Of that wasn’t enough, Modise concluded her hat-trick when she capitalized from a miscommunication between the defender and the goalkeeper.
The goal marked the end of action at Gaborone United Stadium in the third place play off
The Coach’s Reaction
Coach Patricio Kulemeka conceded defeat saying the best team of the day won. Kulemeka however said his side will return home heads up high for the positives drawn from the tournament.
“The best team won today. We lost. The girls didn’t play according to plan. Maybe we underrated the opponents or it was due to fatigue. However am proud of what we have achieved so far. This was our first time here and we hope we will come back here stronger. We will go back home and do the work, we will make sure we play well locally, defend the championship, and make sure we come here again”, said Kulemeka.
Match Statistics
Silver Strikes Ladies had a wonderful afternoon until it started raining goals. From the first whistle the side showed a good passing game that saw them outclass their opponents in all areas of the game. Despite not scoring a single goal, Silver Strikers Ladies had eight attempts with three going on target whilst Gaborone United Ladies had nine shots and five of them were on target.
The Sky blue and white side played five corners compared to two from Gaberone United. Grace Kakangula and Yamikani Mhango were all booked for fouls. Gaberone United Ladies dd not receive a single card during the match.
Man of the Match:
Jessica Modise- Gaborone United Ladies
Match Line Up for Silver Strikers:
Ireen Sibande (GK), Tionge Phiri, Ruth Nyirongo, Chikondi Duwe, Ireen Khumalo, Madyina Ngulube, Chikondi Gondwe, Yamikani Mhango, Wezzie Mvula, Carolyn Mathyola, and Grace Kakangula.
