Penelope Mulubwa opened the scoring in the 10th minute and Charity Mubanga doubled the advantage in the 17th minute. Carol Mathyola pulled one back for Silver Strikers in the 63rd minute, but ZESCO held firm to secure the win.
Semi-Final Success
The Zambian side, who finished top of Group A with a perfect record, showed composure and quality against a resilient Silver Strikers team. The Malawian debutants had impressed in the group stage to reach the last four, but were unable to overturn the early deficit.
ZESCO’s clinical start proved decisive. Mulubwa and Mubanga struck within seven minutes of each other to put the Ndola-based club in control, and they managed the remainder of the contest effectively despite Silver Strikers’ second-half response.
Path to the Final
The result continues ZESCO’s strong campaign in Botswana. Last year the club reached the final on their debut, only to lose to Gaborone United on penalties. They will now have another opportunity to claim the regional title and the sole COSAFA qualification berth for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
Silver Strikers can reflect on a successful debut campaign that saw them advance from a competitive group. Despite the semi-final exit, the Malawian side have announced themselves as a rising force in the region.
Looking Ahead
The final is scheduled for Saturday in Gaborone. ZESCO Ndola Girls will face the winner of the other semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns and hosts Gaborone United. The Zambian champions enter the match as one of the form teams of the tournament, determined to go one step further than they did in 2025.