After a dominant campaign in which they lost just once in 15 matches, Silver Strikers Ladies have been confirmed as the inaugural champions of the National Bank of Malawi NBM Women’s Premiership following a convincing 4-0 victory over Kukoma Ntopwa Women on Sunday.
The Silver Ladies have amassed 42 points, opening an unassailable 10-point lead over second placed Ascent Soccer, who moved to 32 points after being awarded three points when relegated MK Academy failed to honour their fixture at Ascent Ground in Lilongwe.
With three matches still to play, Silver Strikers sealed the title in the first season of the 10-team top-tier women’s league, a competition that has proven highly competitive and has unearthed significant talent for the Malawi Women’s National Team, the Scorchers.
The champions have also produced the league’s leading scorer, Deborah Henry, whose 22 goals give her an unassailable lead in the Golden Boot race, despite failing to get on the scoresheet against Kukoma Ntopwa.
Silver took an early lead in the 5th minute through an own goal by goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, who was under pressure from Ireen Khumalo. The lead was doubled in the 11th minute when Yamikani Mhango finished off another assist from Khumalo.
Two minutes later, Silver went 3-0 up through a second own goal, this time by Anne Botha, after sustained pressure from Wezzie Mvula. The rout was completed deep into added time when Grace Kakangula made it 4-0 in the 90+4th minute, assisted by Rose Mvula.
Elsewhere, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women, now third on 28 points, kept their second place hopes alive with a 2-1 comeback win over relegated Topik Academy at FAM’s Luwinga Football School of Excellence in Mzuzu.
Topik stunned the visitors by taking a 7th-minute lead through a solo effort from Cecilia Nzima, a goal they defended until the 76th minute when Mary Chavinda equalised after collecting a long pass from Bernadetta Mkandawire. Chavinda later completed her brace in the 84th minute, converting a well-delivered pass from Carol Mlenzo to seal the win.
Meanwhile, MDF Lionesses moved up to fourth place after thrashing relegated Moyale Sisters 4-0. The Lionesses struck twice in quick succession through Sabina Thom in the 23rd minute and Ruth Tambala a minute later, both goals assisted by Catherine Kachala.
Salome Vinkhumbo added the third in the 28th minute, before Eltech Phiri completed the scoring in the 30th minute.
Mighty Wanderers Queens climbed to sixth place on 23 points after a 2-0 win over Civil Service Women. Tawina Kawaga opened the scoring in the 48th minute, while Esther January sealed the victory four minutes after Civil missed a penalty when Vitumbiko Mkandawire’s spot kick struck the post.
The results further underlined Silver Strikers Ladies’ dominance in a historic season that has set a strong foundation for women’s top-flight football in Malawi.
