Silver Strikers Ladies have a score to settle when they face defending champions Ascent Academy in a 2024 Goshen-Fam Women’s National Championship semi-final match at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre today.
The two teams also met last year at the same stage but Ascent triumphed 2-0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe and, then, went on to lift their first ever national title.
But the two teams shared fortunes when they met in the regional play-offs this season following 1-1 stalemates registered in two matches.
This afternoon’s match promises to be an exciting one as the two teams are among the favourites to lift the cup.
Andrew ChikhosiSilver Ladies coach Andrew Chikhosi said they were not intimidated by the prospect of facing the defending champions.
“As usual, we expect a tough match against Ascent but we have a good plan for them,” Chikhosi said.
Silver Ladies, formerly known as DD Sunshine, last beat Ascent 2-1 during the 2022 regional play-offs at Ascent Ground.
However, Ascent have dominated the fixture, having registered two wins, two draws and one loss in the last five matches.
Ireen Khumalo, Elube Botomani and Chisomo Banda are potential match winners for Silver Ladies.
On the other hand, Ascent coach Thom Mkolongo said he expected Silver to come hard on them.
“We know they will come for revenge. As such, we need to double our efforts to get a positive result,” Mkolongo said.
Silver Ladies booked a semi-final berth following a 2-0 victory over Civil Service United Women whereas Ascent thrashed MK Academy 4-0.
In another semi-final match, Kukoma Ntopwa will face Topik Sisters at the same venue.
Ntopwa defeated FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women 2-1 in the quarterfinals whereas Topik beat Moyale Sisters 3-2 on post-match penalties.
The winners will meet in the final, scheduled for this Saturday, whereas the losers will meet in third-place play-offs.
This year’s champions will pocket K9 million.
