By Sonkie Foster Leymanni 

2025/2026 NBM Women's Premiership champions Silver Strikers Ladies continued their journey of defending the title after securing all maximum points in a dramatic win at Silver Stadium on Saturday in Lilongwe.

The champions took the lead in the first half through Carlo Mathyola in the 40th minute of the game after being assisted by Ireen Khumalo.

Despite playing at home, the Central Bankers were not at their peak as they lost more possessions in the middle, which made coach Shadreck Chikhosi decide to make a quick substitution, introducing Wezzie Mvula for Gladys Kandodo Banda in the first half.

The substitution paid off just after being introduced, as Silver Strikers took control of the game but lack of composure up front saw them miss numerous goal-scoring opportunities, which ended up in offside positions until the end of the half.

The visitors found the equaliser in the second half, following a defensive error from the goalkeeper, who passed the ball to Rachel Matemba, who levelled the game in the 70th minute.

The home fans were frustrated with the error from the goalkeeper, and it wasn't surprising to see them supporting the visiting team.

The champions kept on knocking to find the winning goal, but Chitololiro's defence was as solid as stone.

Ireen Khumalo's effort paid off in the dying minutes of the game as she turned from provider to scorer after beating the offside trap following a curved ball from Tionge Phiri, sealing three points for the home side and earning a Player of the Match award.

In a post-match interview, Shadreck Chikhosi said the team didn't play their game, as the visitors came to frustrate them and did what they wanted to do. However, the team failed to play their game, although the visitors created many chances.

"We're just looking for the third game, and we're going to get another three points. I'm a coach. I'm happy because I just want points. We will defend the league," he added.

On his part, Chitoliro Heroes coach Griffin Spencer praised his girls despite the defeat, saying they would continue to work together to improve their skills and focus on their off-site activities. He added that he was not going to be a player who was going to lose.

"We have played very well, and my girls did very well today. I didn't expect that the players would play the way they have played today. We lost against Bullets, but we didn't look down on ourselves, and I'm looking forward to doing well in the league," he said.

With Saturday's result at Silver Stadium, Silver Strikers Ladies are at the summit of the table with six points from two games, while Chitololiro Heroes remain yet to get their first point of the league following back-to-back defeats against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women's Team and Silver Strikers Ladies.

Elsewhere in the league on week two, Ntopwa Super Queens failed to hold the lead in a second consecutive match in the 2026/27 season following a 2-1 defeat to MDF Lionesses at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.

Ntopwa took the lead in the 22nd minute of the game through Mary Chindeya before Asimenye Simwaka levelled the scores in the 39th minute.

The Scorchers forward Asimenye Simwaka put the visitors ahead in the 55th minute to complete a comeback at Mpira Stadium.

Following the results, Ntopwa remain winless in the league from two games after a 3-1 defeat to Silver Strikers in week one and a 2-1 defeat to MDF Lionesses.

Meanwhile, MDF have secured four points from two matches after a 1-1 draw in week one against Ascent Soccer Academy and a win over Ntopwa.

The week's action continues on Sunday as Civil Service United Women welcome FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women at Civo Stadium, while Facilitators Community Transformation (FACT) Ladies have travelled to Blantyre to face Mighty Wanderers Queens at Mpira Stadium.

Photos:FAM MEDIA