Malawi representatives Silver Strikers Ladies are out of the CAF Women’s Champions League Cosafa Qualifiers after losing 2-1 to Zesco Ndola Girls of Zambia at Gaborone United Stadium in Botswana.
Two quick goals within 20 minutes of the first-half from Penelope Milubwa and Charity Mubanga proved costly for the National Bank of Malawi Women’s Premiership champions.
Zesco took the lead just 10 minutes into the match when Milubwa beat goalkeeper Ireen Sibande.
The Copper Queens forward tapped in from Avell Chitundu’s backheel pass after Silver failed to deal with a long throw-in from the right flank, which released Enelles Phiri to cross the ball into the box.
The Zambians doubled their lead in the 18th minute through Charity Mubanga, who was again set up by Phiri.
Silver had lost the ball deep in midfield and Phiri surged into the box before laying the it off for Mubanga to bury home.
But after the recess, Silver came back as a rejuvenated side.
Head coach Andrew Chikhosi introduced Yamikani Mhango for Tionge Phiri in the 59th minute.
Silver pulled one back in the 63rd minute through striker Carol Mathyola, who deflected a clearance into the net after Zesco goalkeeper Annie Namonje parried an initial shot from Mhango.
In a post-match interview, Silver Ladies assistant coach Patricio Kulemeka said the two quick goals affected the team’s performance.
He said: “However, we owe it to our ladies. It’s our first time at this tournament and to reach this far it means they gave their all. They have shown they have talent to take us to the next level.”
Silver will face the loser of the semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Gaborone United who were playing as we went to press last evening.
