Silver Strikers Ladies bowed out of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier after a 2-1 defeat to ZESCO Ndola Girls in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Despite the loss, the Central Bankers Ladies leave the tournament with their heads held high after making history as the first Malawian club to progress beyond the group stage of the competition.
Silver played four matches at the tournament, scoring eight goals and conceding seven. Their campaign started with an impressive 5-1 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs before a 3-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. They then bounced back with a 2-1 win over Costa do Sol to seal a place in the semi-finals.
Against ZESCO Ndola Girls, two first-half goals proved costly as the Zambian side held on to book a place in the final.
Silver made two changes to their starting line-up, with Madyina Nguluwe and Mphatso Gondwe returning to the side.
ZESCO opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Penelope Mulubwa, who finished off a cross from Eneless Phiri on the right. Six minutes later, the Zambian side doubled the lead after Silver lost possession in midfield, allowing Charity Mubanga to punish them.
The score remained 2-0 at halftime, with Silver needing a strong response after the break.
The Lady Central Bankers improved in the second half and almost pulled one back when Madyina Nguluwe started a move in midfield before Tionge Phiri found Carol Mathyola on the right. Mathyola delivered into the box, but Chikondi Gondwe’s header went over the bar.
Silver made a change in the 59th minute, introducing Yamikani Mhango for Tionge Phiri.
Four minutes later, Silver got their reward when Carol Mathyola finished off a cross from Ireen Khumalo to reduce the deficit and raise hopes of a comeback.
ZESCO were later awarded a penalty in the 75th minute, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review, keeping Silver in the contest.
Seven minutes were added after regulation time, but Silver could not find the equaliser as ZESCO held on for a 2-1 win.
Silver coach Patricio Kulemeka accepted the defeat, but praised his players for a strong tournament run.
“The games are the best teacher. We have been learning after every game and we have improved so much. We conceded in the first half and that made us struggle to return into the match, but we came back in the second half a better side,” said Kulemeka.
He said the team will take important lessons from the competition, especially in defensive organisation and attacking efficiency.
“We have to work on defending in the first half of matches as well as penetrating in the final third because goals come from attacking. Nevertheless, as Silver Strikers, we are okay. It was a good run from the group stages to here. We came here for the first time and gave teams good games because our performances were solid,” he added.
Silver Strikers Ladies Results
Group Stage
Silver Strikers Ladies 5-1 Nsingizini Hotspurs
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies 3-0 Silver Strikers Ladies
Costa do Sol 1-2 Silver Strikers Ladies
Semi-final
ZESCO Ndola Girls 2-1 Silver Strikers Ladies