Silver Ladies edge Wanderers Queens to remain Top of the Log as Bullets stumble

Deborah Henry’s first-half strike proved decisive as Silver Strikers Ladies edged Mighty Wanderers Queens 1-0 in a tightly contested NBM Women’s Premiership clash at Mpira Stadium on Sunday afternoon, September 7.

The Bankers came into the match with intent, piling pressure from the first whistle. In just four minutes, they had already rattled the post and forced a desperate clearance off the line.

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Moments later, Tionge Phiri thought she had given the visitors the lead, but her effort was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Esther Chauluka, who was outstanding throughout the afternoon.

Henry herself was denied twice in quick succession by Chauluka in the 13th minute, before Yamikani Mhango went close with a header. The Wanderers goalkeeper was keeping her side alive, producing a string of brilliant saves as the Bankers’ relentless attacks poured forward.

But persistence paid off in the 23rd minute. Ireen Khumalo’s free kick smashed against the upright, and though Chauluka pulled off a remarkable double save from Henry’s header and follow-up, the forward refused to be denied. On the second rebound, Henry finally forced the ball into the net to put Silver Strikers ahead.

The goal settled the Bankers, who continued to dominate. Henry and Grace Kakangula combined well to carve open the Nomads’ backline, though chances went begging—Kakangula fired wide from close range, and Henry saw another glorious opportunity wasted with a weak chip into Chauluka’s arms.

At the other end, Wanderers offered little in attack in the first half but grew stronger after the break. Substitutions injected some energy, and the Nomads began asking questions of the Bankers’ defence.

Still, Silver Strikers looked the more dangerous, with Gladys Banda denied in a one-on-one by the irrepressible Chauluka, who by the hour mark had already pulled off nine crucial saves.

Tensions boiled over when Wanderers’ goalkeeper trainer Davie Pashani was sent off for dissent, protesting against the officiating. With their bench reduced, the Nomads still threw everything forward, pushing for an equaliser.

The final stages saw drama at both ends. Silver Strikers could have wrapped it up when Henry struck the post, while Wanderers wasted their best openings—Chikondi Gondwe fired over, and Yamikani Mhango failed to convert a teasing cross late on.

Henry’s goal was the difference, and though the debate raged over the Player of the Match award—many feeling Chauluka’s heroic display deserved recognition—it was Henry who took the honour. After all, in football, goals win games.

In other games, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were denied a chance of going up on the table when they were beaten 3-1 by Capital City based Ascent Academy. Mayamiko Mkandawire opened the scores just 6 minutes into the game but Bullets cancelled it through Laina James four minutes before Ascent reclaimed their lead when Mkandawire completed her brace, then Alefa Chimbeta sealed the win early in the second half.

Following the win, Ascent are now second on the log table with 12 points from five games, three points behind the leaders, Silver Strikers while Bullets are 6th with 7 points from 5 games.

In Mzuzu, ruthless Civil Service United humbled Topik FC with a heavy 4-0 beating. Vitumbiko Mkandawire, Glory Sichinga, Jessie Yosefee and Emily Samuel were on target for the Servants.

Featured image by MH Photography