Silver Strikers has become the first team to be crowned FDH Cup champions after beating Ekwendeni Hammers 2-0 in a final match played on Friday afternoon at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Veteran Frank Banda and Stain Davie scored in each half to give the Bankers the victory.
After squandering numerous chances Silver Strikers broke the deadlock after 38 minutes through Frank Banda who headed home a cross which Mark Fodya delivered in the box from the left wing.
The Hammers were underdogs ahead of the final and they suffered a desperately disappointing afternoon in what was their first top flight cup final.
The Mzimba based side were never allowed to play their normal passing game and could not respond as a disciplined Silver Strikers sealed the maiden FDH Cup conquest.
Silver Strikers coach Dan Kabwe won the tactical battle against Hammers counterpart Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa.
The Bankers could have won with many goals had Stain Davie was clever enough to beat offside traps by the greenhorns.
Ekwendeni struggled in the entire first 45 minutes to create scoring opportunities. Their only shot on target was registered in the opening stages of the half through Clever Kaira, a lone effort until they went for recess.
Like the first half, Ekwendeni Hammers started well as Mikel Teteh had an opportunity to put the game level but he nearly missed Blessings Singini’s pass inside the six yard box.
Moments later, Stain Davie capitalized from the Hammers defense elapse to increase the lead with a thunderous shot from the edge of the box, making it 2-0.
The Lilongwe giants could have added a third goal after 60 minutes but Levison Maganizo’s shot was cleared on the line by defender Mustafa Maulana.
Hammers labored for the remainder of the minutes searching for openings but Silver stood firm until the end.
For their sweat, Silver Strikers pocketed K25 million Kwacha for winning this year’s trophy while second placed Hammers will get K9 million.