Silver Strikers Ladies on Saturday started their National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Women’s Premiership title defence campaign with a 3-1 comeback victory over hosts Kukoma Ntopwa Women at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
Ntopwa took an early lead through defender Rose Alufandika’s 16th-minute strike for the first half to end in the hosts’ favour.
However, Silver Ladies put up a dominant second-half display to score three late goals within a space of 14 minutes to seal their victory.
Defender Ireen Khumalo equalised in the 57th minute before midfielder Madyina Ngulube and striker Yamikani Mhango got on the score sheet in the 60th and 71st minutes, respectively.
Silver Ladies interim head coach Shadreck Chikhosi, whose side won the inaugural title last season with 48 points from 18 games, said he was happy to have a good start in the new season.
“Despite conceding early, we knew we would win. We created numerous chances that could not be converted into goals in the first half. But after half-time talk, we tightened the loose ends,” he said. “It feels good to start our title defence with a win.”
Ntopwa coach Isaac Jomo Osman attributed their loss to inexperience after drafting in young players following the recent departure of some old guards.
In another match at the same venue, FCB Nyasa Bullets Women thrashed Chitoliro Heroines 3-0 with Mary Chavinda, Tadala James and Fauzah Mohammed scoring the goals.
National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adelaide Migogo said she was happy with the entertaining nature of the opening games and she was confident that the same will happen in the next fixtures.
NBM plc unveiled a K2.3 billion football sponsorship for the 2026/27 season with the NBM Women’s Premiership getting K400 million, an improvement from the previous K280 million support.
NBM plc risk and compliance manager Charles Ulaya said they were impressed with high quality football action and the large turnout of fans.
