Gift Chunga’s strike at 43 minutes was the only differentiating factor in a friendly match which Silver Strikers hosted Kamuzu Barracks at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.
This was a second pre-season friendly after the Central Bankers won 3-2 against MAFCO FC at the same venue.
The start of the match did not resemble a friendly affair as the game started on a high note with both sides trying to settle down and find the back of the net. It was Kamuzu Barracks that had a first attempt but Hope Namadzunda’s shot went wide. A minute later Binwell Katinji’s effort was ruled out for offside after his side exchanged quick passes to set him up.
After 20 minutes, Silver Strikers looked more dangerous as the side piled pressure on the Chiwoko based soldiers but a goal was beyond reach. At 40 minutes, Head Coach Peter Mponda made a change by bringing in Charles Chipala for Chikondi Kamanga and Zebron Kalima for Innocent Mtonga.
The changes brought instant results as Chipala dribbled past three opponents in midfield to set up Chunga who slotted in a powerful shot to beat Bondage Lweya in goals.
Silver Strikers took the lead to half time. Come second half, the tempo of the game was a bit slow compared to the first half and this helped the visitors to gain momentum in search for an equalizer but to no avail.
The Central Bankers made several changes by bringing in Christopher Gototo for Chipala, Chinsisi Maonga for Duncan Nyoni and later brought in Stane Davie for Gift Chunga.
Despite the changes the score line never changed.
In post-match interview, Mponda said it was a good game and the result of the game was not so important but rather the performance of the team.
“We played a very good game today but we are still working in our game. We did so well maybe for around 50 minutes but the rest of the game I think the boys were tired but it’s not a surprise since the boys haven’t played for so long since the return but we will be working on the game fitness and will see where we get to”, said Mponda.
Silver Strikers face Bangwe All Stars on Sunday at A.G Dimba Stadium in Mchinji.
Confidence is very crucial if we’re to succeed