The FDH Bank Trophy, sponsored by a bank owned by club president Dr. Thomson Mpinganjira, has remained elusive for his club, Mighty Wanderers, since its inception in 2021.
On Sunday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Wanderers missed the chance to make history as they fell 5-4 on post-match penalties to Silver Strikers, despite taking the lead in the 24th minute through a fine header from Blessings Singini.
Having reached the final after beating their old rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Wanderers had hoped the final would be easier than the semi-final clash, but it was not to be.
Silver Strikers equalized in the 75th minute via a penalty after a Wanderers defender handled the ball in the box, with Chinsisi Maonga converting.
The match remained entertaining, with Silver Strikers creating numerous chances that went begging. Referee Easter Zimba eventually called for a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
Maxwell Paipi, Innocent Shema, Binwell Katinji, Maonga, and Nickson Mwase all scored for Silver Strikers, while Wanderers converted through Isaac Kaliati, Singini, Clement Nyondo, and Nyirenda.
The victory gives Silver Strikers their second FDH Bank Trophy, having previously won the inaugural competition in 2021, while Wanderers remain without a title despite reaching the final for the first time.
Bullets have won the trophy twice, while Blue Eagles claimed it once last year, defeating Bullets in the final.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira expressed his disappointment but refused to blame anyone:
“No need to blame anyone, we win as a team and we lose as a team. We had a good game but penalties are always tricky, you cannot predict the winner,” he said.
Silver Strikers coach Peter Mgangira thanked his players and God for the triumph: “People have said a lot about us, let’s thank God that he has given us this trophy, we have more to thank him,” he said.
Silver Strikers will take home 45 million Malawi Kwacha for winning the trophy.
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