Silver Strikers had a grand return to action from the FIFA International Break as the side choked an important win to reach last season’s tally of 57 points when the side scored six goals against MAFCO FC at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Goals from Innocent Shema, Gift Chunga (2), Chimwemwe Idana, Misheck Seleman, and an own goal by Steve Mkweza were what the Central Bankers needed to grab maximum points.
The Area 47 side came to the match guns blazing as at seven minutes Shema headed home a corner by Uchizi Vunga. The Bankers kept piling pressure as they played one corner after the other. Chikondi Kamanga produced a spectacular pass from the center of the field in the 39th minute to set up Chunga who slotted home his first for the day and a second for the Bankers.
The Bankers went to halftime leading with two goals. During recess, the head coach Peter Mponda rested George Chikooka and Binwell Katinji whilst introducing Charles Chipala and Charles Thom.
Five minutes into the second half, Chunga doubled his tally when he slotted home a well-worked ball from Uchizi Vunga who played a one-two touch with Seleman before releasing the ball. Four minutes later, Chunga was rested for Chinsisi Maonga.
At 63 minutes, the Bankers kept constant pressure on the hosts forcing Steve Mkweza to score an own goal after a well-curled corner from Uchizi Vunga to take the score line to four to none. Three minutes later, the hosts pulled one back after Yohane Malunga scored when the Bankers failed to clear a ball that was floated into the box.
Misheck Seleman sweetened his fantastic performance on Wednesday after he slotted home a ball from McDonald Lameck. The goal was a product of a well-played move from defense to the midfield.
Five minutes away from regulation time, Chimwemwe Idana stunned the hosts with a rebound from an attack initiated by Chipala. Idana hit the ball with his left foot from outside the box to bury the game.
In a post-match interview, head coach Peter Mponda congratulated his boys for executing his game plan well and grabbing maximum points.
“The boys have shown a good reaction this afternoon, we are coming from a painful loss in a cup final but they have put that behind and played well. They need all the praise this afternoon. These three points are important as we look forward to the next fixture and the league title, at the moment I can challenge that no one will stop us from winning this title and we are geared to finish what we started”, said Mponda.
Next, Silver Strikers will host FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on Saturday at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.