At the Bingu National Stadium on Sunday, football once again reminded Malawians why it remains the beautiful game , unpredictable, emotional, and unifying.
The 2025 FDH Bank Cup final had everything: tension, drama, heartbreak, redemption, and a crescendo of penalties that sealed Silver Strikers’ place in history.
The Central Bankers defeated Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 5–4 on penalties after a pulsating 1–1 draw in regulation time, a result that crowned them champions of a tournament.
Sports analysts have described the cup as a magical football set the country always waits for.
In an interview on Monday seasoned sports analyst, Sebastian Liwonde said ; “It Was a Wonderful Season.”
Similarly, sports commentator Steve Liwewe Banda hailed the tournament, saying the season had exceeded expectations.
“The FDH Bank Cup was wonderful this season full of surprises, skill, and heart. It’s exactly what our football needed,” said Banda.
The Match That Stole Hearts
Wanderers, driven by the ever-creative Isaac Kaliati, drew first blood in the 24th minute when Blessings Singini rose majestically to nod home a corner, a goal that sent the Nomads’ blue sea into delirium.
Silver Strikers, however, never stopped believing. Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Maxwell Paipi converted from the spot after Wanderers’ captain Felix Zulu was judged to have handled the ball in the box.
Paipi’s calm finish brought life back into the game and belief into the Silver camp.
As the whistle blew for full time, the tension at Bingu was thick enough to cut with a knife.
A Penalty Shootout for the Ages
The penalty shootout that followed was nothing short of nerve-shattering theatre.
Both goalkeepers — Dalitso Khungwa for Wanderers and Charles Chikooka for Silver — turned into unlikely heroes, trading saves and misses in a duel that had fans gasping at every turn.
After a dramatic exchange that saw both teams falter and rise again, it was Mwase who stepped forward to take the decisive kick.
With composure befitting a champion, he sent Khungwa the wrong way to clinch the Cup.
As his strike rippled the net, Chikooka sprinted forward in tears of joy, embraced by his teammates as the Central Bankers reclaimed glory. On the opposite end, Wanderers’ players lay face-down on the pitch.
The agony of defeat visible in every motionless body.
Coaches React: Pride and Pain
For Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira, the loss was painful yet humbling.
“Penalties can go either way. We didn’t play our usual game but I’m proud of the boys, especially for how we controlled the first half,” he said.
Silver’s head coach Peter Mgangira, on the other hand, was full of emotions.
“Many doubted us, but we proved that with hard work and belief, you can grow. We fought back after going down, and I thank my players for never giving up,” said Mgangira.
A Cup That Keeps Malawi Growing
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says the FDH Bank Cup has become more than just a tournament.
In a post match interview FAM President Fleetwood Haiya commended both teams and their supporters for exhibiting true professionalism and passion.
“Congratulations to Silver Strikers for their victory, and to Wanderers for their fighting spirit. This competition shows that Malawi’s football is indeed growing,” he said
Silver Strikers pocketed K45 million, while Wanderers went home with K20 million.