CAF WCL COSAFA: Dhlamini double sinks Silver Strikers 3-0

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies beat Silver Strikers Ladies 3-0 in their CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifying tie in Gaborone on Sunday. Karabo Dhlamini scored twice before half-time, leaving the Malawian side with little chance of recovering.

Dhlamini opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes after moving beyond three defenders and sending a long-range shot past Ireen Sibade. The early goal gave Sundowns control and Silver Strikers struggled to build sustained possession or establish a settled attacking rhythm.

The South African side doubled their advantage before the interval. Dhlamini converted a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, placing the effort high into the net as Sundowns went into the break 2-0 ahead.

Silver Strikers were unable to change the pattern after half-time. Sundowns continued to dictate the pace through their passing and movement, while the Malawian defence was repeatedly forced to cover wide spaces. A third goal from a corner completed the scoring.

The Bankers did not produce a meaningful response in the closing stages, allowing Sundowns to finish the match without serious pressure. The defeat leaves Silver Strikers with little room for error in their bid to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

The result came despite a strong domestic record for Silver Strikers in the 2026 Malawi Super League. They are top with 29 points from 14 matches, having won eight, drawn five and lost once, with 23 goals scored and five conceded. Their last five league games brought three draws and two wins, including a 3-0 victory over Red Lions FC and a 4-1 success against Karonga United, but that consistency was not enough against Sundowns in Gaborone.