Silver Strikers Ladies last night became the first Malawian side to reach the CAF Women’s Champions League Cosafa Qualifier semi-finals after thumping Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 5-1 in their final Group B match.
As we went to press yesterday, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies were leading 3-1 against Costa Do Sol of Mozambique in the other Group B match.
A win for the South Africans, who defeated both Nsingizini and Silver, meant they qualify for the semis as leaders with nine points while Silver make it as runners-up.
On the other hand, a win for the Costa do Sol would mean the three teams tie at six points in the group.
According to the competition’s regulations, should two or more teams tie on points, the result will be determined by first, greater number of points obtained in the matches between the teams concerned and if that fails to break the tie, the best goal difference resulting from all group matches applies.
In that case, head-to-head rule puts Silver ahead having beaten Costa do Sol 2-1.
Silver also have a better goal difference than Costa do Sol, having scored seven and conceeded five.
Silver assistant coach Patricio Kulemeka in an interview said they deserved a place in the semis.
He said: “I know we are through to the semis, considering that we have scored even more goals. It’s just a matter of confirmation.”
In yesterday’s match monitored on Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) TV a ruthless attacking prowess from Silver saw Carol Mathyola scoring a hat-trick while Grace Kakangula and Gladys Banda also on target, to propel Silver into the last four of the regional competition.
Silver got off to a dream start just two minutes into the match when Kakangula opened the scoring from Mathyola assist.
Silver continued to dominate possession and create chances, with Chikondi Gondwe and Wezzie Mvula causing problems for the Nsingizini defence.
Silver head coach Andrew Chikhosi made a double substitution in the 40th minute, introducing Madyina Ngulube and Gladys Banda for Linda Manda and Yamikani Mhango.
Silver eventually found the breakthrough again in the third minute of added time as Mathyola capitalised on a swift midfield counterattack to go int the break leading 2-0.
After the break, substitute Banda extended the lead in the 50th minute.
Mathyola then scored her second in the 56th minute before sealing her hat-trick in the 63rd minute. Nsingizini pull one back in the 76th.
Ntopwa Super Queens became the first Malawian representatives at the Cosafa Women’s Champions League Qualifiers in 2023 followed by Ascent Academy in 2024.
They were both knocked out in the group stages.
