Head coach Peter Mponda has said the response by his charges on Sunday was excellent considering how slow they started in a friendly match against Bangwe All Stars at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji.
Silver Strikers won the match courtesy of three second-half goals from Gift Chunga, Chinsisi Maonga, and Binwell Katinji.
From the starting lineup against Kamuzu Barracks on Saturday, Mponda made changes and gave a first-team berth to Charles Chipala, Charles Thom, Christopher Gototo, and Stanie Davie.
Bangwe All Stars controlled the first half which forced Mponda to make changes early in the game by introducing Gift Chunga, Binwell Katinji, and Duncan Nyoni for Charles Chipala, Christopher Gototo, and Stanie Davie.
At half time, the gaffer made three more changes when Innocent Mtonga, Zebron Kalima, and Uchizi Vunga were rested and in their place, Eustice Mwale, Chikondi Kamanga, and Chinsisi Maonga were introduced. It was at this moment that the Central bankers started to breathe life and it was no surprise that a minute into the second half Binwell Katinji found the back of the net after he tapped in a cross from Mark Fodya when Mwale started a move in midfield.
10 minutes later Gift Chunga doubled the lead when he thumped in a shot from close range when Bangwe All Stars defenders failed to clear the ball. Silver Strikers piled more pressure and Maonga registered his name on the score sheet at 63 minutes.
The three goals proved crucial to neutralize the Blantyre-based side to register a third win for Silver Strikers ahead of the new season.
“I am very happy with the response the boys had today, we had a very slow start but we changed a few areas and talked to them to see how best we can play and win the match. They got the message right and did a good job. However these are just friendlies, we are still working to sharpen ourselves”, said Mponda in a post-match interview.
On Saturday, the Area 47-based side won 1-0 against Kamuzu Barracks at Silver Stadium.
