Silver Strikers failed to make the last dial to glory in the 2024 Airtel Top 8 after losing 1-0 to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the final match played at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.
The Bankers maintained 10 players that won the semifinals last Saturday with Innocent Shema coming in for Nickson Mwase who was on suspension.
The Bankers had a slow start to the match as they settled in late but made sure to get the game up and running 15 minutes into the match.
Uchizi Vunga, Chimwemwe Idana and Chikondi Kamanga were on top of their game as they ensured their side dominates the midfield and keep possession.
Regardless of the efforts made, the match went to half time goalless.
Come second half, Levison Maganizo and Charles Chipala were introduced for Binwell Katinji and Uchizi Vunga.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets scored from a corner at 72 minutes through Ernest Petro’s header. After the goal, Misheck Seleman was introduced for Zebron Kalima.
After the match Mponda said the result did not reflect the game on the pitch saying his side played a nice exciting game.
“Its a painful defeat. We did everything we could but the result is not what we expected from the boys. We were on top of the game than Bullets but the game went otherwise. Our opponents were not that sharp either as we kept them at bay so that they should not harm us but one corner we slipped up and conceded a goal. Tough luck today, we move on and look forward”, said Mponda.
This is the first time for Silver Strikers to lose a match in regulation time
The Bankers will return to league action in the next match.