Adiel Kaduya and Binwell Katinji did the damage to Chitipa United at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday to register a win for the Central Bankers in the first game of the 2024 TNM Super League.
The win gives a poll position to Silver Strikers after the games played on the first day of the league.
It was a highly contested match in the first ten to fifteen minutes of the game as both sides looked to display a beautiful game of football characterized by keeping possession and pressing the opponents so hard.
It took 30 minutes for Silver Strikers to control affairs of the match as the hosts forced their guests to play deep in their half. Gift Chunga, and Katinji all floated their shots on top of the bar but it was Kaduya who at 40 minutes broke the deadlock after Chimwemwe Idana’s shot hit the woodwork and Kaduya slotted home a rebound.
The Area 47 side took the lead to halftime. Come second half, the hosts returned with high intensity as they looked dangerous going forward. Eight minutes into the second half Kaduya received a ball from Fodya and made a beautiful turn that opened up some space for him to spot Katinji’s run and the Bankers’ prodigal son made no mistake but to double the lead.
At 62 minutes, Chitipa United showed signs of not wanting to give up when they forced goalkeeper George Chikooka to make double saves. It was at this moment when Head Coach Peter Mponda made his first substitution by bringing in Christopher Gototo and resting Chunga.
Mponda made further changes at 76 minutes by introducing Zebron Kalima and Emmanuel Muyira for Chikondi Kamanga and McDonald Lameck. The last change came at 86 minutes when Idana was rested and Patrick Macheso came in his place.
The Central Bankers took the lead to the end of regulation time to get maximum points over Chitipa United.
“I am very happy with the win and I just want to congratulate the boys a wonderful performance this afternoon. The first half was tough as the opponents pushed our game to the edge as they closed our spaces but we managed to play them well and win the match. One game gone 29 to go”, said Mponda.
Adiel Kaduya was voted man of the match after scoring a goal and assisting another.
Next week, the Central Bankers host Bangwe All Stars at Silver Stadium in the second league fixture.