Silver Strikers Advance to Challenge Cup Finals
According to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), the finals of the 2023 Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup is slated for Dec. 30 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - Silver Strikers have reached the finals of 2023 Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup following a 2-0 victory over Bangwe All Stars in a closely contested semi-final match which was played at Kamuzu stadium in Blantyre on Saturday, writes Happy Valirani.
Chimwemwe Idana, who was named man of the match, put the Bankers on the lead in the 23rd minute.
The goal motivated the Silver Strikers players as they took control of the game, especially in the midfield where Chimwemwe Idana and Chikondi Kamanga were operating.
Bangwe All Stars tried to come back in the second half but their striking force was not sharp enough to unlock the Silver Strikers defense.
Patrick Macheso doubled the lead for Silver Strikers in the 73rd minute with an excellent finish from a Zebron Kalima cross, sealing Silver's victory.
Silver will face the winners between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who will play on Sunday in the second semi-final match at Kamuzu stadium.
"We wanted to win this match to reach the finals. The focus now is on the finals," said Pieter De Jongh, Silver Strikers coach, who was delighted with the victory.
On the other hand, Abel Mkandawire, coach of Bangwe All Stars, accepted the defeat, saying "Lucky wasn't on our side. We created more scoring opportunities but we didn't utilize them."
According to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), the finals of the 2023 Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup is slated for Dec. 30 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.