Two second-half goals from Sylvester Phiri earned Silver Strikers Reserve maximum points in the 2026/27 GOJET Investments CRFA Division League One following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kalembelembe FC at ADL Ground in Lumbadzi.
The Reserve side went into the game with winning momentum, having claimed maximum points in their three previous matches.
The hosts started brightly, but it was a tightly contested encounter as both teams went into the break level at 0-0.
At the start of the second half, Prince Kumwembe, Sylvester Phiri and Andrew Mughogho entered the fray, replacing Howard Kamuona, Patrick Mponda and Bright Ngoma.
The changes paid off as Silver Strikers Reserve took the lead through Phiri, who headed the ball into the net from a Prince Kumwembe’s delivery.
Substitute Phiri doubled the Reserve side’s lead with a powerful effort from a distance after receiving a pass from Mughogho.
The visitors pulled one back as the game approached the final stages, setting up a tense finish.
The Reserve side responded by introducing Chrispin Julayi for Blessings Phiri to add numbers in defence.
Assistant Coach Jack Chiona was delighted with the victory, particularly with his side’s ability to grow into the game.
“We started the game slowly, but after our halftime changes, the boys responded well and we managed to get 2 goals which proved decisive in the end,” he said.
The coach also expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made in fine-tuning the players.
“Our team is solely meant to develop players for the senior team, and we are happy with how the players are doing. We have some players who are even below 20 years. We are working on instilling confidence in them so they can be ready for elite football in the next few years,” he said.
Sylvester Phiri capped off an impressive afternoon by being named Player of the Match after his brace off the bench.
Silver Strikers Reserve Starting XI:
Ulemelero Chimeza (GK), Moffat Mnyontho (C), Patrick Mponda (Andrew Mughogho 46’), Comfort Unyolo, Umali Musa, Francis Kadango, Blessings Phiri (Chrispin Julayi – 80’), Matias Kawanga, Hadji Dyton, Haward Kamuona (Prince Kumwembe – 46’), Bright Ngoma (Sylvester Phiri – 46’)
Unused substitutes:
Jonathan Mtonga (GK), Binali Usi, Vincent Kachigundo Kamaba, Cosmas Lyton, Zaithwa Lupale, Blessings Mhone (GK)
