Silver upset: Yosefe strikes as Petro, Vunga combine to down Yanga in CAF CL

Andrew Joseph’s strike gives Malawian side historic advantage

In one of the competition’s biggest upsets, Silver Strikers head into the second leg of their CAF Champions League tie with genuine hopes of achieving what no Malawian team has done in 20 years. The last side to reach the group stages was FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in 2004, and now the Central Bankers are just 90 minutes away from joining them after defeating Tanzania’s Yanga SC 1-0.

Andrew Joseph scored the only goal in a move orchestrated by Uchizi Vunga and Ernest Petro, sending the Silver Strikers faithful in the western stand into raptures at Bingu National Stadium.

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While the victory alone won’t be enough to secure qualification, it will go down in history. Silver became the first team to beat Yanga in regulation time since MC Alger of Algeria in December 2024, ending the Tanzanian giants’ 27-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

“Folz Struggles to Accept Defeat”

When the final whistle blew, Yanga head coach Roman Folz headed straight down the tunnel, ignoring journalists seeking his immediate reaction. He spent 10 minutes in discussion with a member of his technical staff outside the press room, visibly struggling to process the result.

“We had our chances which we didn’t bury, and if you miss those chances against a team that was very compact, it’s a bad game,” Folz told reporters during the post-match press conference. “It’s a defeat for us and we have to see the next plan and approach for the home game. We need to qualify and we will qualify.”

For the Bankers, regardless of what happens in the second leg, this victory against a continental heavyweight will be remembered.

“We are happy with the win today, but we will not be overjoyous—these are two-legged games,” Silver coach Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa said. “We have played the first half and we have the second half to play on Saturday.”

“Petro’s Introduction Sparks Silver”

Yanga had done their homework on Silver Strikers, who sit third in the TNM Super League with just two defeats this season—both to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. The Tanzanian side particularly focused on box-to-box midfielder Uchizi Vunga but ultimately failed to contain him.

Silver looked disjointed in the first half, showing too much respect for their opponents. Their two strikers, Andrew Joseph and Stain Davie, struggled to find space against Yanga’s organized defense. The team relied heavily on creative midfielder Zebron Kalima, but he had an off day and was substituted at halftime.

Silver barely threatened in the opening 45 minutes, with Vunga’s wide effort their only goal attempt. However, the execution of that chance showcased the quality he would later display—his movement to find shooting space was exceptional.

Vunga was involved in most of Silver’s attacking play, linking with right-back Macdonald Lameck, who won a free-kick just outside the box in the 20th minute. Only a fine save from Andy Boyeli denied Kalima from giving Silver the lead.

At the break, Mwafulirwa introduced former Big Bullets midfielder Ernest Petro to add creativity and complement Vunga’s efforts.

“It was a tactical change,” Kadenge explained. “Zebron is a good player who has represented the national team, but today wasn’t his day. We were playing against tall players, so the high balls we were supplying him were to his disadvantage. We brought Ernest in and it worked. We changed to a diamond shape in midfield, and Petro brought a plus to the team.”

Petro, experienced from his time with Bullets in continental competition, made an immediate impact. Silver looked like an attacking force again. Davie missed a golden opportunity when, one-on-one with the goalkeeper following Petro’s pass, he opted for a square ball to Joseph instead of shooting—allowing Yanga to clear.

Tensions rose as one of Yanga’s technical staff was booked for foul language, and Silver left-back Dan Sandukira received a yellow card for fouling Ecua Ecua.

In the 70th minute, Petro found space to receive Davie’s pass from the right and fed Vunga, whose overhit effort rolled out of play. Davie was replaced by Binwell Katinji two minutes later.

Then came Silver’s moment. In the 75th minute, Petro and Vunga combined brilliantly to down the Tanzanian giants. Joseph will make the headlines for his second goal of the competition—having also scored crucially against Elgeco Plus in the first preliminary round.

But Vunga deserves credit for his powerful run, overpowering his markers before threading the ball between two defenders. Petro beat the goalkeeper before unselfishly squaring to Joseph, who rifled his shot into the roof of the net.

The Bankers held on and now await Saturday’s second leg in Tanzania.

“Pressure Mounts on Folz”

Yanga expected an easy ride. Eight buses traveled with the team, and their supporters painted the stadium in yellow and green, filling the right side of the western stand.

Despite fielding a strong team, they will rue their missed chances. Ivory Coast striker Pacome Zouzoua, Andy Boyeli, and Maxi Mpia Nzengeli rotated positions but couldn’t find the net against a well-drilled Silver defense featuring several national team regulars.

Defender Maxwell Paipi made crucial interventions, including a vital block to deny Boyeli. The visitors won two corners within eight minutes and created several chances. Former Big Bullets midfielder [name] saw his effort from outside the box drift wide, while Boyeli missed two quick chances—the second in the 34th minute failing to hit the target. Yanga had a goal ruled out for offside when Boyeli scored in the 38th minute, and Pacome forced George Chikooka into a save just before halftime.

Yanga started the second half stronger, had a penalty appeal turned down, and forced Chikooka into several saves. Folz, unsatisfied with his attackers’ output, introduced Prince Dube and Ecua for Boyeli and Mudathir.

After falling behind in the 75th minute, Yanga looked exhausted. They had one final opportunity late on, but Pacome’s poor connection gave the Bankers relief.

Yanga have now failed to win consecutive matches after also drawing with Mbeya City in their previous league game. Folz must deliver next week when Silver visit Tanzania—failure to qualify could cost him his job.