* Straight from the fairytale run at WAfCON Morocco 2026 with the Scorchers, Khumalo scored the equalizer against Costa Do Sol
Maravi Express
Straight from the fairytale run at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) Morocco 2026 with the Scorchers, left back struck a stunning free kick to level the scores while super sub Grace Kakangula finished off a good pass from the centre as Silver Strikers Ladies beat Mozambican side Costa Do Sol 2-1 in opening Group B match of the CAF Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers.
Chikondi Gondwe, Tionge Phiri, Madyina Ngulube, Deborah Henry and Khumalo
Khumalo, who played a huge role in the Malawi Scorchers’ defence in Morocco flew straight to Gaborone, Botswana along with four others, — Chikondi Gondwe, Tionge Phiri, Madyina Ngulube and Deborah Henry.
On its https://media platform, Silver Ladies report Costa Do Sol were quick to snatch the lead as they scored in the first minute through Lucia Mozambique after a slip up in defense.
Fifteen minutes later, Deborah Henry — the NBM Women’s Premiership 2025 Golden Boot winner and Player of the Season — sent a ball in for Linda Manda to finish but missed the opportunity.
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The game went to recess with the slender lead for Costa Do Sol and head coach Patricio Kulumeka made a change in the 59th minute bringing in Grace Kakangura and Carol Mathyola for Linda Manda and Yamikani Mhango.
Two minutes later, Costa Do Sol were one player down as Marlene Janeiro was given a red card after a foul on Madyina Ngulube and nine minutes after the change, Khumalo leveled matters with the stunning freekick following a handball close to the 18-yard box.
Kakangura then came in with the winner four minutes from time when she beat the goalkeeper and slotted in the ball in an empty net.
Coach Kulumeka was excited for the win saying this was a planned effort that they should kill the first game, adding that lessons have been taken after conceding too early in the match as the goal by Costa Do Sol disturbed the game plan.
“Every game has a plan,” he said. “We needed this game and the plan was that we win the first match. The goal we conceded disturbed our plan but we fought and returned in the match and that is very important.
“As Silver Strikers, we are looking at each game systematically. We have a dream to play at the high level and we would like to pursue that dream further,” he said.
Meanwhile, defending champions Gaborone United left it late but secured a 2-1 Group A victory over Lesotho Defence Force on the opening day yesterday.
There was also an opening-day win for last year’s runners-up ZESCO Ndola Girls from Zambia as they defeated Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens 5-2 to showcase their potential again this season.
It was a thrilling opening day of action in front of a fervent crowd that created a superb atmosphere and laid the platform for what promises to be an excellent tournament, with the winners earning their spot at the continental finals later in the year.
Lesotho Defence Force took the lead on 15 minutes when Gaborone United goalkeeper Tlamelo Pheresi hesitated in coming for a long ball and Reitumetse Namane won possession and netted from a tight angle.
That was the way it stayed until halftime, but the hosts equalised with a superb strike that is already a contender for Goal of the Tournament.
Lesego Radiakanyo picked up possession 40 yards from goal and her powerful shot arrowed into the net.
The match looked to be heading for a draw until Goitsemang Tlamma popped up with two minutes remaining as she poked home from close range after the goalkeeper could only parry a shot.
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Eneless Phiri gave ZESCO the lead inside six minutes when she converted a penalty, before Charity Mubanga turned in the second goal before the 10-minute mark as the Zambians made a fast start.
Mubanga added her second with a left-footed shot that was too strong for Queens goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga.
Queens pulled a goal back when Natasha Benza scored from close range, but ZESCO scored their fourth as Phiri netted from the tightest of angles six minutes after halftime.
Penelope Mulubwa added a fifth for the rampant Zambians, before Queens had the final say when they pulled a goal back through Catherine Gwangwara on 81 minutes after a mistake at the back.—Reporting by Silver Strikers Media & COSAFA Media; editing by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
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