By Wa Ganyu

Silver Strikers have booked their place in the next round of the CAF Champions League after holding Elgeco Plus FC to a goalless draw at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The result, built on a solid defensive performance at home and extraordinary heroics by George Chikooka in goal, was enough to see the Central Bankers through on away goals following a 1–1 draw in the first leg played in Madagascar. It was not flashy, but it was exactly what Coach Etson Kadenge needed to steer the Bankers forward.

With a small but electric crowd behind them at Bingu, the Bankers enjoyed support from the first whistle. Though the home side could not find the back of the net and were often second to the ball while forced to absorb waves of Elgeco attacks, they delivered a disciplined and composed performance that frustrated their Malagasy opponents.

Attention now turns to the next round, where Silver Strikers will face Simba SC of Tanzania who booted out Wiliet FC of Angola with a five nil aggregate. For now, the Bankers have every reason to believe.

For Malawian football, it is a proud moment. It has been a while since Silver Strikers, or any local side, made it past the first round on the continental stage. But with this result, they have taken a bold step forward.