“I’m happy we tried” – Mpinganjira reflects on Wanderers’ painful FDH Bank Cup final loss

Mighty Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira expressed pride in his team’s effort despite their heartbreaking defeat to Silver Strikers in the 2025 FDH Bank Cup final.

The Bankers edged out the Nomads 5-4 on penalties after an intense 1-1 draw in regulation time at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Wanderers took the lead midway through the first half when Blessings Singini rose high to head home an Isaac Kaliati corner, sending their supporters into early celebration.

The area 47-based side responded with sustained pressure, and their persistence paid off midway through the second half when Maxwell Paipi calmly converted from the penalty spot following a handball incident inside the box.

The contest then evolved into a nerve-racking penalty shootout. Both sides missed one of their first five attempts, forcing the duel into sudden death.

What followed was a tense sequence of three consecutive missed penalties from both teams before Nickson Mwase stepped up to slot home the decisive kick, sealing Silver’s second FDH Bank Cup title.

Both teams had their chances throughout the match. Wanderers’ Promise Kamwendo and Kaliati combined early, but the latter’s strike drifted just wide.

At the other end, Silver’s Andrew Joseph came close with a header that missed by inches before later striking the post in the second half.

Uchizi Vunga and Nixon Mwase also threatened for the Bankers, while Wanderers’ Adam Wallace and Kamwendo spurned opportunities to extend their lead.After the match, Mpinganjira remained gracious in defeat.

“I’m happy we tried. The boys showed great spirit and fought until the end,” he said. “It’s painful to lose this way, but we’ll come back stronger.”

Silver Strikers’ triumph adds another chapter to their growing legacy in the competition, while Mighty Wanderers continue their quest for a first-ever FDH Bank Cup crown.

By winning this cup, the Bankers have joined FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as the only two teams to have won this competition twice since its inception in the 2021 season

The Lilongwe-based side was the first club to win the trophy in its inaugural season.