Deborah Henry’s brace relegates Topik as Civil suffer first loss in second round

Silver Strikers Ladies forward Deborah Henry netted a second-half brace to secure a 2-0 victory over Topik Academy at Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday morning, condemning the visitors to relegation from the National Bank of Malawi National Women’s Premiership.

After a goalless first half, Henry broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, connecting with Ireen Khumalo’s delivery. She sealed the win three minutes from time, converting Angella Mwalilino’s pass to complete her double.

The defeat confirmed Topik Academy’s relegation with five games remaining. Winless in 13 fixtures, they sit on just three points—16 short of the 19-point safety mark.

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Silver Strikers head coach Andrew Chikhosi admitted his team took their opponents lightly in the opening period.

“The players underrated Topik because we won by a big margin in the first round, but we knew it would be tough,” said Chikhosi. “We had to push harder in the second half, and the win keeps us on track for the title.”

Topik assistant coach Kelvin Bwayala remained upbeat despite the relegation.

“The girls are learning with every game. It’s a new team full of developing players, but I’m happy with today’s performance,” he said.

The victory maintains Silver Strikers’ seven-point lead at the top. With 36 points from 12 wins and one defeat, they need just three more victories to clinch the championship.

Ascent hand Civil first defeat of second round

Elsewhere, Ascent Academy dealt Civil Women their first loss of the second round with a 1-0 victory at the Ascent Ground on Sunday.

Talandira Chinyamvula’s second goal of the season proved decisive as Ascent completed the league double over Civil and ended their three-match winning streak.

Ascent head coach Thom Nkolongo praised his team’s resilience.

“It was a game of two halves—we dominated the first, Civil pushed in the second. We got our goal and defended well under pressure. Today was our day,” said Nkolongo.

Civil Women head coach Collins Pofera accepted the defeat philosophically.

“We played well and the girls tried hard, but one defensive error cost us. That’s football. Overall, I’m proud of the performance,” said Pofera.

The win lifts Ascent to second place with 29 points from nine wins, two draws, and two defeats. Civil dropped to seventh with 19 points from five wins, four draws, and four defeats.

Week 13 produced a record-low 10 goals, including three awarded to MDF Lioness after MK Academy failed to fulfill their fixture.

Silver Strikers Ladies lead the standings with 36 points, followed by Ascent Academy (29), MDF Lioness, and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the top four. Kukoma Ntopwa Queens, Mighty Wanderers Queens, and Civil Women occupy fifth through seventh.

Moyale Sisters, MK Academy, and Topik Academy remain in the relegation zone.