Rachael Kaphaizi
Should we say it is a year for Malawi girls to shine? Perhaps yes! On Friday, debutants Silver Strikers Ladies came from a goal down to beat Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol 2-1 and secure their first-ever victory in the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier Botswana 2026.
Costa Do Sol took an early lead, scoring in the first minute through Lucia Mozambique after a defensive mistake.
Silver Strikers struggled to find an equaliser before the break, with Linda Manda missing a closest chance in this period on the quarter hour mark.
The Malawian side returned from the recess with renewed energy and made a double substitution in the 59th minute, bringing on Grace Kakangula and Carol Mathyola for Linda Manda and Yamikani Mhango.
Their change paid off two minutes later as they became more offensive, forcing Costa Do Sol to a numerical decrease after Marlene Janeiro was shown a red card for a foul on Madyina Ngulube.
Silver Strikers capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Ireen Khumalo levelling matters in the 68th minute with a stunning free-kick following a handball near the 18-yard box.
Kakangula then completed the comeback in the 86th minute, beating the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into an empty net to give Silver Strikers Ladies a 2-1 victory.
Head coach Patricio Kulemeka was pleased with the response of his women after conceding early, saying the victory was part of the team’s well executed plan.
“Every game has a plan. We needed this game, and the plan was that we win the first match. The goal we conceded disturbed our plan, but we fought and returned in the match, and that is very important,” said Kulemeka.
The victory gave Silver Strikers Ladies valuable confidence as they look to become the first Malawian side to reach the knockout stage of the competition.
Their next match is on Sunday against two-time regional champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies from South Africa, who powered to an 8-0 victory over tournament debutants Nsingizini Hotspurs in the other match in Group B.
