Ascent Academy and Silver Strikers Ladies are familiar foes in domestic football and this afternoon they renew their rivalry in the semi-finals of the 2023 Fam Goshen City Women’s Championship at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
In another match, MDF Lionesses and Civil Service United will renew their rivalry at the same stage later this afternoon.
Fireworks are expected this afternoon as all the four teams have been in scintillating form since the competition kicked off.
Ascent will be hoping to cause another upset, having knocked out champions Kukoma Ntopwa Women after beating them 4-0 in the quarter-finals.
Silver Ladies are the highest scoring team at the moment after hammering C.Y Sisters 16-0 in the second play-off match before beating Moyale Sisters 3-1.
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Meetings between Ascent and Silver Ladies in the Central Region play-offs have been fairly balanced, with the former losing 3-1 at home in the first round before avenging the defeat in a 3-2 beating of the latter.
Silver Ladies Coach Andrew Chikhosi described the match as a perfect opportunity for revenge.
“Our loss to Ascent was quite painful and we are looking for revenge this time. We are ready and we do not need to be reminded that there is a lot at stake,” Chikhosi said.
Ascent Coach Thom Mkolongo said there is no room for error at this stage.
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“We know that our opponents will come hard on us but we are prepared for them,” Mkolongo said.
In the other match, Civil Women have a score to settle against Lionesses, who beat them 3-0 and 2-1 in the regional playoffs.
Civil Women Coach Collins Pofera said it would be a different game.
“Let Lionesses underrate us and we will surprise them. We are improving in each and every game; so, they should be careful,” Pofera said.
Lionesses Coach John Kaputa said all his weapons are ready.
“We are on a serious mission as we want to play in the Caf Champions League. The players know the importance of the match,” Kaputa said.
Lionesses qualified for the semi-finals after beating FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 4-1 whereas Civil Women thrashed MK Academy 6-0.
The final match will be played on Sunday.
