Silver Strikers FC went to second position on the TNM Super league log table after cruising past Bangwe All Stars 4-1 at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.
A hattrick from forward Stane Davie and a goal from Patrick Macheso were enough to move the Central Bankers to second position.
The match was fast paced in the first 45 minutes as both teams played a very well organised passing game. Ten minutes into the game Chinsisi Maonga who got his first start this season spotted Davie in the box but was ruled out for offside. A minute later the hosts came knocking once more when Davie slotted home from a rebound after Chimwemwe Idana’s shot was punched away by Bangwe All Stars goalie Rahaman John.
Maonga proved to be a thorn in the bone for the guests as 15 minutes in the match he made a run on the right hand side and delivered a good cross that Macheso controlled for Idana but missed the target by a whisker.
At 22 minutes Stanie Davie scored his second goal of the day after a good exchange of passes that saw Idana opening him up to double the lead. Bangwe All Stars responded by pulling one back after Emmanuel Kaunga brought down Chikumbutsa Salima in the 18 yard box at 27 minutes and the referee awarded the guests a penalty. Salima took it himself and sent Thom the opposite direction.
Later on Davie and Macheso continued to ask more questions to the guests’ defence but their shots went wide.
When it seemed to be over in the first half, Davie got a well worked ball from the midfield which he smoothly passed to Macheso who made no mistake but to score to make it three.
At half time, the Central Bankers made a substitution which also changed the formation of the team. Mark Fodya was brought in for Macheso. This meant the hosts returned to using four defenders.
Action in the second half started building up slowly as both teams showed that they were in no rush to pile pressure on each other.
Tatenda M’balaka who seemed to be the orchestra of most of the attacks by the Central Bankers started a counter attack later on in the second half which saw him pick out Idana who assisted Davie to complete his hattrick.
A minute before the lapse of 90 minutes, Silver Strikers made a last change by bringing in Uchizi Vunga and Chisomo Mpachika for Macheso and Kaunga.
As if the scoreline wasn’t enough, Innocent Shema could have made it five in added time as he headed home a well curled cross from Fodya but was ruled out for an offside.
Speaking after the match, head coach Hendrikus Pieter de Jongh praised his team for creating alot of chances and winning the match.
“It was a good game, we played very well as we were in control of the game. We scored good goals in the first half. At the break we changed our formation and brought in new players. We could have scored more goals but we are good with the four goals that we scored”, said De Jongh.
The gaffer added that he is not worried that the team is missing alot of chances but said he feels the team is on the right track.
“We are second on the log table as we now have 15 points. We are playing the best football in Malawi. So as long as my team is playing good football and creating alot of chances then am fine and good. That’s football for me.” he added.
Stanie Davie was awarded the FOL Man of the match award.
In second position, Silver Strikers FC are two points away from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets who are on first position.