By Wa Ganyu

The 2023 Fam Goshen Women’s National Championship road to semi finals concluded following thrilling quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The semi-final lineup features Lilongwe-based teams, including last year’s runners-up Ascent Academy, Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Lionesses, Civil Service United Women, and Silver Strikers Ladies.

In the upcoming semi-finals this Friday at the Bingu Stadium, Silver Strikers Ladies, formerly DD Sunshine, will face Ascent while MDF Lionesses will take on Civil Women.

Silver Ladies secured their semi-final berth with a 3-1 victory over Moyale Barracks in a late kickoff, with goals from Linda Manda, Deborah Henry, and Chikondi Gondwe, while Chippo Ngwenya scored the consolation goal for the soldiers from Mzuzu.

Silver Ladies coach Andrew Chikhosi noted Moyale’s resilience, saying, “It was a tough match against the Northern Region champions. We didn’t perform as usual; perhaps the girls felt the pressure. We’re eagerly anticipating the match against Ascent, and this is our chance for redemption.”

Moyale coach John Chimwala attributed the loss to a lack of experience, stating, “The girls were a bit nervous due to their lack of exposure.”

In an earlier match, Civil Women dominated with a 6-0 victory over MK Academy. Bernadette Nyenga and Thandie Bilima each scored twice, while Evelyn Nthala and Alinafe Mpira added one goal each.

Civil Women coach Collins Pofera emphasized their focus on the upcoming semi-final against the Lionesses, saying, “We’re facing MDF Lionesses, the Central Region champions. It’ll be a challenging game, but they shouldn’t underestimate us.”

MK Academy coach Khumbo Sibale highlighted the positives despite the defeat, noting, “We have a young team, and this competition serves as a valuable learning experience. We aim to improve in the future.”