Silver Strikers Ladies kicked off their National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Women’s Premiership title defence with a thrilling 3-1 victory over hosts Kukoma Ntopwa Women at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre. The match saw a dramatic turn of events, with Ntopwa taking an early lead through defender Rose Alufandika’s 16th-minute strike. The first half ended in the hosts’ favour, but Silver Ladies mounted a strong comeback in the second half.
The Silver Ladies' dominant display in the second half yielded three late goals within a 14-minute span, securing their win. Defender Ireen Khumalo equalised in the 57th minute, followed by midfielder Madyina Ngulube’s goal in the 60th minute, and striker Yamikani Mhango’s score in the 71st minute. This victory marked a successful start to their title defence for the reigning champions, who accumulated 48 points from 18 games in the inaugural season.
Silver Ladies interim head coach Shadreck Chikhosi expressed satisfaction with the win, citing his team's ability to adapt and create numerous scoring chances. Despite conceding early, Chikhosi's side tightened their defence after half-time, ultimately leading to their victory. He attributed the win to the team's resilience and strategic adjustments during the game.
In contrast, Ntopwa coach Isaac Jomo Osman blamed the loss on his team's inexperience, having recently introduced young players following the departure of some experienced players. Osman acknowledged that the team's lack of experience was a significant factor in their defeat. The loss was a disappointing start to the season for Ntopwa.
The match was one of two games played at Mpira Stadium, with FCB Nyasa Bullets Women thrashing Chitoliro Heroines 3-0 in the other match. Mary Chavinda, Tadala James, and Fauzah Mohammed scored the goals for FCB Nyasa Bullets Women, marking a convincing win for the team. The results reflect the competitive nature of the league.
National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adelaide Migogo was pleased with the entertaining nature of the opening games, expressing confidence that future fixtures would be equally engaging. The association aims to promote women's football in Malawi, and the positive start to the season is a promising sign. Migogo's comments highlight the growing interest in women's football.
The NBM Women’s Premiership has received a significant boost with NBM plc unveiling a K2.3 billion football sponsorship for the 2026/27 season. The NBM Women’s Premiership will receive K400 million, an increase from the previous K280 million support. NBM plc risk and compliance manager Charles Ulaya expressed satisfaction with the high-quality football action and large fan turnout, underscoring the importance of the sponsorship in promoting women's football in Malawi.
Key points
- Silver Strikers Ladies started their title defence with a 3-1 win over Kukoma Ntopwa Women.
- The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Women’s Premiership has received a K400 million sponsorship for the 2026/27 season.
- FCB Nyasa Bullets Women thrashed Chitoliro Heroines 3-0 in another match at Mpira Stadium.
