No ‘Dalitso’ for Wanderers: Silver punch Nomads to bank MK45m from FDH Bank

The emotions could not have been more contrasting. Silver Strikers erupted in jubilation while Mighty Wanderers slumped to their knees in despair, their dream of silverware shattered once again in the cruellest fashion imaginable.

After being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Airtel Top 8 Cup by Karonga United, Wanderers had pinned all their hopes on this tournament to crown what has otherwise been an impressive campaign. Reaching the final was itself an achievement—their first since the competition’s inception in 2021.

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The Nomads’ journey to this stage had been arduous. Defeats in the semi-finals to Silver Strikers in 2021, Big Bullets in both 2022 and 2024, and Mafco FC in 2023 had become painful memories. This year, they finally navigated through every obstacle to reach the ultimate stage, only to fall at the final hurdle.

Silver Strikers were crowned champions of the 2025 FDH Bank Cup after prevailing over Mighty Wanderers in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout following a pulsating 1-1 draw after regulation time.

After lifting the trophy in the inaugural 2021 edition, the Bankers endured a barren spell in this competition. Their return to the final—only their second in the tournament’s history—proved fruitful as they matched FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ record of two FDH Bank Cup triumphs.

Buoyed by back-to-back victories over cross-town rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Wanderers arrived brimming with confidence, determined to break their hoodoo. However, they faced their perennial tormentors in Silver Strikers, who extended their remarkable unbeaten streak against the Nomads to nine matches across all competitions—eight victories and one draw.

Wanderers boasted an impressive cup final pedigree over the past decade. Their last defeat in a domestic cup showpiece came in 2017 when they fell to Big Bullets in the Carlsberg Cup final. Since then, they had claimed the Fisd Challenge Cup in 2018, the Airtel Top 8 Cup in 2022, and the Castel Challenge Cup in 2024. That spotless record now bears a blemish.

Sunday’s triumph also represented sweet revenge for Silver Strikers, who lost 3-2 to the Nomads in the 2018 Fisd Challenge Cup final at the same venue.

During the pre-match press conference, Mighty Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira acknowledged it was the perfect opportunity to claim the FDH Bank Cup, while his counterpart Peter Mgangira knew victory was imperative to salvage his season.

Mgangira sprang a tactical surprise, abandoning his customary 4-3-3 formation in favour of a three-man defence. “We knew that Wanderers have been deploying two strikers this season, and we didn’t want to use four defenders against two forwards. Three against two was the optimal setup, and it proved effective,” Mgangira explained his strategic gambit.

Mighty Wanderers drew first blood in the 24th minute when midfielder Blessings Singini rose majestically to power home Isaac Kaliati’s pinpoint corner-kick, igniting wild celebrations among the Nomads faithful. The goal came somewhat against the run of play, as Silver Strikers had been threatening. Adam Wallace’s inviting delivery from the left flank found Promise Kamwendo, whose header sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

The Bankers’ frustration mounted as they relentlessly pursued an equalizer before the interval. Uchizi Vunga came agonizingly close when he surged in from the right flank and unleashed a thunderbolt that whistled narrowly wide of the upright.

Moments later, Zebron Kalima whipped in a menacing cross that picked out Andrew Joseph, but his header cannoned off the woodwork, leaving Silver still trailing at the break.

Tensions flared when Silver’s Lameck Gamphani was cautioned by referee Easter Zimba after an altercation with the assistant referee.

Both coaches shuffled their packs at halftime. Peter Mgangira introduced Charles Chipala and Chinsisi Maonga for Ernest Petro and Dan Dandukira, while Bob Mpinganjira summoned Sam Tanjong to replace Blessings Mwalirino.

Silver intensified their pursuit of parity after the restart. Nixon Mwase met Chinsisi Maonga’s corner with a header that drifted wide, while Andrew Joseph and Uchizi Vunga orchestrated a sublime move in the 66th minute, only for Vunga to blaze over from point-blank range.

Wanderers were compelled to make an unplanned substitution when Promise Kamwendo succumbed to injury, with Clement Nyondo entering the fray. Emmanuel Nyirenda received a booking for time-wasting as the Nomads attempted to preserve their slender advantage.

The match swung dramatically in the 76th minute when referee Zimba controversially pointed to the spot after adjudging Sam Tanjong to have handled the ball inside the area. The contentious decision sparked protests, but Silver Strikers held their nerve to convert from twelve yards and restore parity at 1-1.

Wanderers immediately responded with a double substitution, introducing Masiya Manda and Peter Cholopi for Tanjong and Wallace in a bid to regain ascendancy. However, neither side could conjure a winner in the dying embers of the contest.

The shootout evolved into a nerve-shredding spectacle with both sides squandering crucial attempts. Silver’s Emmanuel Allan rattled the cross-bar the opening penalty after Isaac Kaliati had confidently converted for Wanderers. Singini and Clement Nyondo maintained the Nomads’ advantage, while Maxwell Paipi and Innocent Shema kept the Bankers in contention.

Stanley Sanudi’s miss breathed life into Silver’s hopes, and Binwell Katinji capitalized ruthlessly to level proceedings at 3-3. Emmanuel Nyirenda restored Wanderers’ lead, but Chinsisi Maonga immediately responded to make it 4-4.

The shootout descended into chaos as Dalitso Khungwa blazed over the bar for Wanderers before goalkeeper Chikooka produced a magnificent save to deny Masiya Manda. Khungwa then transformed into hero by saving Charles Chipala’s effort.

Silwimba’s miss for Wanderers presented Nixon Mwase with the opportunity to clinch glory for Silver. The composed defender kept his cool to dispatch the decisive penalty, sparking euphoric celebrations among the Bankers’ faithful.

Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mgangira was elated with his side’s triumph: “I’m absolutely delighted, I must be honest. Many doubted us, but we have to thank God for this blessing. We created numerous chances throughout both halves and should have won in regulation time. I must commend the lads for their fighting spirit—coming from behind after conceding in the first half demonstrates tremendous character. When we communicate effectively and work as a cohesive unit, success becomes achievable. That’s the essence of teamwork.”

Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira cut a disconsolate figure: “We’ve fallen short. We didn’t produce our customary performance. Penalty shootouts are a lottery—they can swing either way. We must accept defeat with dignity and focus on moving forward. I’m proud that we gave everything in pursuit of victory, but fortune didn’t favour us today.”

Silver Strikers claimed the trophy for the second time in the competition’s five-year history, having previously triumphed in the inaugural 2021 edition. Their path to glory included victories over Mighty Tigers, Shire FC, Blue Eagles, and Civil Service United.

For Wanderers, their quest to capture the FDH Bank Cup for the first time continues. Despite reaching their second final in five seasons, the coveted trophy remains tantalizingly out of reach. Their route to the showpiece featured victories over Mafco FC, Mzuzu City Hammers, Creck Sporting on dramatic penalty shootout and triumph over FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the semi-finals.

For winning the tournament, Silver Strikers will pocket MK45 Million while Wanderers will get MK20 Million from FDH Bank Plc who hiked the sponsorship earlier this year from MK150 Million to MK250 Million.