Silver Strikers on Sunday choked an important win over Kamuzu Barracks in the 20th match of the season to push the tally to 48 points.
The win puts the league leaders 7 points clear over second placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers
The win came courtesy of Mike Ntonya’s own goal.
The game started on a high note as both sides fought to break the deadlock quickly, but it had to take 36 minutes for fans to witness a goal.
The Bankers played a well-organized attacking game from the first whistle. In the 28th minute, coach Peter Mponda made a tactical change by taking out Uchizi Vunga for Chinsisi Maonga. With this change, the goal came by as Idana started a move in midfield to set free Maonga who took a shot wide but ended up bouncing at the feet of Ntonya.
The Bankers took the lead to halftime. During recess, Charles Chipala was introduced for Binwell Katinji.
Chipala did not last more than 25 minutes as at 67 minutes he was pulled out for Stanie Davie.
The Bankers continued to pile pressure but could not see a good opportunity to double the lead.
After the match, Mponda said it was a tough game though the opponents did not provide a threat to his side.
“I am happy we played a good game but still worried that we won with one goal even though we had a lot of chances. This forced us to make more changes upfront. However, Kamuzu Barracks were solid at the back as they denied us some space however three points were grabbed and a clean sheet, we look forward”, said Mponda.
The win cements a 20-game unbeaten record as the Central Bankers continue to fight for the title.
Next, the Central Bankers will play Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos on Sunday in the second leg of the 2024 Airtel Top 8 Quaterfinal.