Silver Strikers Ladies tightened their hold on the inaugural National Bank of Malawi Women’s Premiership title after a commanding 2-0 victory over closest challengers Ascent Soccer on Saturday at Silver Stadium, extending their lead at the top to seven points.
The win was further sweetened by yet another goal from league top scorer Deborah Henry, who struck the second to take her impressive tally to 18 as she continues to lead the Golden Boot race.
Both teams entered the match in strong form, with Silver coming from a 6-0 demolition of Moyale Sisters and Ascent fresh from a 3-1 win over Mighty Wanderers Queens. The build-up promised a thrilling contest, especially after Silver won the first-round meeting 2-1.
Ascent started brightly, pressing high in the Silver half, but it was the hosts who struck first in the 13th minute through Grace Kakangula, who finished neatly after being set up by Henry.
Henry then doubled the lead eight minutes into the second half with a powerful strike that flew into the net after a well-taken throw-in from Ireen Khumalo.
With six matches remaining, Silver Strikers Ladies remain firmly in control as they chase the historic first title. Their perfect first-round run was only blemished by MDF Lionesses in the opening fixture of the second round.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Mighty Wanderers Queens beat bottom-placed Topik Academy 2-0 to move into third place on 20 points, leapfrogging FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women, who drew 1-1 with MDF Lionesses at Mpira Stadium. Wanderers scored through Tawina Kawaga in the 29th minute and Atuweni Njilima four minutes later.
At Mpira Stadium, MDF Lionesses missed a golden chance when Sabina Thom failed to convert a ninth-minute penalty after being fouled by Bernadetter Mkandawire. Bullets responded by winning their own penalty and Carol Mlenzo calmly converted in the 21st minute. Four minutes later, Salome Vinkhumbo equalised with a powerful strike after being set up by Mervis Misomali.
Bullets and Lionesses now share 19 points, separated only by goal difference in fourth and fifth place.
Civil Service Women, also on 19 points, sit sixth after a 3-1 victory over Moyale Sisters. Goals came from Vitumbiko Mkandawire in the 29th minute, Anna Bazilio in the 60th, and Jessie Yosefe in the 69th. Moyale’s consolation was scored by Sella Galima in the 77th following defensive miscommunication.
Kukoma Ntopwa Women climbed to seventh after beating MK Academy 3-0. Takondwa Gambuleni opened the scoring in the 13th minute and added a second in the 35th. Sarah Mlimbika sealed the victory in the 56th minute with her first goal of the season.
