Silver Strikers have begun the 2025 TNM Super League campaign with a home defeat against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, courtesy of a lone goal scored by Babatunde Adepoju in the 29th minute.
The Bankers faced a challenging first half as Bullets appeared to be the stronger side, but a slip-up in defense early in the match allowed Wongani Lungu to find Babatunde, who seized the opportunity to score.
The goal came after several attempts by Binwell Katinji, who was thwarted.
Ten minutes after the goal, Precious Sambani and Chinsisi Maonga were substituted for Festus Duwe and Dan Sandukila. These changes elevated the game’s tempo until the end of the first half.
In the second half, the Central Bankers continued to apply pressure in search of an equalizer.
Just two minutes into the half, Chimwemwe Idana and Festus Duwe exchanged passes to set up Kalima, but his shot lacked the power to pose a threat.
A second substitution occurred at the 57-minute mark, with Uchizi Vunga making way for Stanie Davie. Tempers flared for much of the second half due to contentious refereeing decisions at both ends.
At the 68th minute, McDonald Lameck narrowly missed the target after a promising move instigated by Duwe and Sandukila ended at his feet.
Ten minutes from the end, Zebron Kalima was replaced by Gift Chunga.
At the conclusion of regulation time, Silver Strikers lost 1-0.
Head Coach Peter Mgangira stated that the defeat is not the end of the road, marking an important moment for the Central Bankers.
“It was a tough match as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets performed well in the first half, but we came out as a better side in the second half. Although this is not an ideal start to the league, we will recover. We believe pressure is pleasure; we need to build character from challenging times like these, ” said Mgangira.
Silver Strikers will travel to Karonga for their second fixture to face Chitipa United.
