Silver Strikers Football Club are the 2025 NBS Charity Shield champions following their hard-fought victory over Mighty Wanderers on Saturday afternoon at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Central Bankers came from behind twice to force a 2-2 draw, eventually winning 5-4 on penalties.
The Lali Lubani boys took the lead in the 27th minute through Samma Thierry, maintaining their advantage up to the halftime break.
However, Silver came back stronger in the second half, with first-half substitute Uchizi Vunga proving to be a menace in Wanderers’ midfield exposing Wanderers’ defense and put pressure on goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa.
Silver’s persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Binwell Katinji tapped in a Precious Sambani pass, beating Khungwa to level the score.
Despite playing under intense pressure, Wanderers regained the lead in the 67th minute thanks to a stunning long-range shot from Blessings Singini.
The game took a turn in the 70th minute when Wanderers’ captain Lawrence Chaziya was sent off for a second bookable offense after a foul on Chinsisi Maonga.
Silver capitalized on their numerical advantage almost instantly, as Zebron Kalima equalized in the 72nd minute, pouncing on a defensive error by Khungwa, who failed to clear the ball properly.
Despite being a man down, Wanderers held on until the final whistle, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Silver emerged victorious, converting all five of their spot-kicks.
The decisive moment came when Blessings Singini’s penalty was saved by Silver’s goalkeeper George Chikooka, handing the Central Bankers the NBS Charity Shield title for the first time.
Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mgangira expressed his delight at the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
“This was a test of our character, and I am proud of how we responded to the setbacks during the match. We stayed composed, showed hunger, and ultimately got the result we wanted. The players executed the game plan well, and this win sets a great foundation for the upcoming season,” he said.
On the other hand, Mighty Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira lamented his team’s defensive lapses and the red card that altered the match’s dynamics.
“We played well, but lapses in concentration cost us the game. The red card changed everything, and we had to fight harder to stay in the game. We will go back to the drawing board and work on our mistakes,” Mpinganjira stated.
Silver’s victory breaks FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ dominance having won five consecutive seasons.
