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Business will this afternoon come to a standstill in Lilongwe as the rivalry between Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers is reignited in the FDH Bank Cup final at Bingu National Stadium. The match promises high drama, tactical brilliance and emotional intensity as the two sides fight for the ultimate glory. It is a final that not only brings together two of the country’s most in-form sides, but also reignites a decade cup games rivalry between the two sides. Wanderers, unbeaten in the TNM Super League, have been a model of discipline and consistency under coach Bob Mpinganjira. The Nomads head into the match as favourites, having defeated bitter rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets twice in six days, including in the cup’s semi-finals. The Nomads have been a well-oiled machine this season, blending defensive solidity with measured attacking play. Mpinganjira and his assistant coach MacDonald Mtetemela’s combination has made the Nomads compact, organised and confident in possession. The Nomads have built their success on a structured backline led by Stanley Sanudi, Timothy Silwimba and Emmanuel Nyirenda, who have been influential in ensuring that goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa keeps clean sheets against some of the league’s most potent attacks. In midfield, experienced captain Felix Zulu Alfred, industrious Wisdom Mpinganjira, wonderkid Wallace Adam and workaholic Isaac Kaliyati coupled with Blessings Singini’s sharp movement have provided balance, breaking up opposition play and dictating the tempo of the match. This has given the Nomads strikers Promise Kamwendo, Blessing Mwalilino and Clement Nyondo a lethal edge in front of goal. It is this balance, the ability to control games that has made Wanderers formidable. Across the divide, Silver are also bubbling with confidence and they come into the final on the back of a resurgence that has reignited belief among their supporters. Their strong run in the CAF Champions League, where they reached the second round, has fortified their confidence and showcased the tactical evolution under Peter Mgangira. The tactician has built a side that thrives on energy, pressing and quick transitions. Silver’s attacking force, spearheaded by Uchizi Vunga, Zeborn Kalima and Levison Maganizo has been devastating as they orchestrate with intelligence and vision. Their understanding and movement stretch defences to breaking point, leaving forwards Andrew Joseph, Binwell Katinji and Stain Dave a simple task of tapping the ball into the net. At the back, defenders MacDonald Lameck, Maxwel Paipi and Nickson Mwase give great cover to goalkeeper George Chikooka. But in pre-match interviews, both Mgangira and Mpinganira were cautious. Mpinganjira said despite going into the match as favourites, he has emphasized to his players not to allow this get over their heads. He said: “A game of football is different. So we’ll take the game as it comes. We know it will be a very difficult game, but all the same, we are very ready for it. What we want is a win, so we will work hard to get that result.” The tactician said having failed to win the cup since it was introduced, the Nomads are motivated to end the jinx after reaching the final for the first time. “Since this cup was introduced, we haven’t won it. I am very sure that this is our time. “We have never even reached the final before. This time around we are in the final. So it’s just one step to get it. “I have spoken to the players on the importance of this game. So, we are very sure that if we work hard, we will get it,” he said. On his part, Mgangira said his charges are motivated to win the cup for the second time, but was quick to say they will not dwell much on past results. “I think if we are going to look into past results we will be making a big mistake. This is a cup final. It can be unpredictable. You either win or lose. “Wanderers are a good side. They have quality players and an experienced technical panel when compared to ours. We need to respect them.” He, however, said the Bankers are hungry for the cup. Said Mgangira: “The players know the importance of this game. They are willing to do anything to win the cup. This is our second final this season. We lost the first one to Bullets in Airtel Top 8. Winning this one is a motivation in itself. It’s history. Remember, there is also the cash prize that comes with winning the cup final.” Over the years, Wanderers and Silver have met in several high-stakes cup finals, producing unforgettable moments that have defined generations of fans. In 2012, Wanderers defeated Silver 2-0 in the Standard Bank Cup final at Silver Stadium, before repeating the feat a year later with a 1-0 win at Civo Stadium. In 2016, the Nomads triumphed again in the Carlsberg Cup final at Kamuzu Stadium, winning 5-1 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw. Silver finally got their revenge in 2017, edging Wanderers 10-9 on penalties in the inaugural Airtel Top 8 final at Bingu National Stadium. The Nomads reclaimed supremacy the following year with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Fisd Challenge Cup final, also at Bingu. More recently, in the 2025 NBS Bank Charity Shield, Silver turned the tables once again, winning 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. With both teams in top form, the margins are razor-thin. The game could easily go the distance, and if history is any guide, fans might brace themselves for another nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
