Andrew Mdzumira
Silver Strikers had one task, to welcome their new boss, the Reserve Bank governor George Partridge with a victory over relegated Mzuzu City Hammers. But it was a disappointing trip to Rumphi District as the Central Bankers were knocked out of the Castel Challenge Cup.
Silver, who are funded by the Reserve Bank, started the match brightly and took the lead midway through the first half via Innocent Shema header in the 24th minute after meeting a well-delivered corner kick taken by Zebron Kalima.
However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Hammers returned with renewed intensity and attacking intent. Their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Aubrey Simbi scored a stunning equaliser from a long-range free kick near the halfway line, catching Silver Strikers goalkeeper George Chikooka off guard.
Hammers completed the comeback with a second goal on 68 minutes, scored by Isaiah Nyirenda following a beautifully constructed team move. Chimwemwe Chunga provided a precise assist, setting up Nyirenda who calmly found the back of the net to give the hosts a decisive lead.
Nyirenda’s goal eliminated Bankers from the Castel Cup in the Round of 16 played at Rumphi Stadium on Saturday, 24 January 2026.
Hammers will face defending champions Mighty Wanderers in the quarterfinals. The two sides last met in the final of the 2024 edition of the competition at Bingu National Stadium, where Wanderers edged Hammers 1–0 thanks to a goal from Cameroonian forward Sama Thierry.
Hammers will draw confidence from their TNM Super League encounter last season, in which they defeated Mighty Wanderers 2–1 at Mzuzu Stadium.
Reacting after the win, Hammers assistant coach Lazarus Deco Nyamera attributed the victory to the players’ belief and mental strength.
“We beat a big team and now we are facing another big team. Matches are different, but we will give our best,” he said.
Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mgangira described the match as competitive but admitted disappointment at the outcome.
“It was a good game, but it is painful to lose at this stage. We have identified where we struggled this season and we are already planning for the next one. We created good chances but failed to utilise them, while our opponents made better use of theirs,” he said.
Silver Strikers have now gone three consecutive years without making a significant impact in the Castel Challenge Cup.
In Blantyre
Ekhaya FC bowed out of the Castel Cup following a home 2-0 defeat to Dedza Dynamos FC at Mpira Stadium.
Dedza scored through Luke Chima and Gift Magola to dump Ekhaya’s hopes of progressing in the cup. Dedza will meet the winner between Chitipa United and Blue Eagles.
