History has repeated itself at Karonga Stadium as Silver Strikers played out to a four-goal thriller and getting a point against Chitipa United on Saturday.
Last year, the two sides played out to a one-all draw at the same venue.
On Saturday, Coach Peter Mgangira entrusted Festus Duwe and Dan Sandukila with a place in the starting lineup.
After a few early chances on goal for Silver Strikers, it was Chitipa United who grabbed the lead in the 29th minute when Alex Benson converted a penalty which was awarded after Innocent Shema brought down an opponent in the 18-yard box.
The Central Bankers responded four minutes later when Binwell Katinji tapped in a ball that saw Chimwemwe Idana and Festus Duwe passing it around to leave Chitipa United defenders chasing ghosts.
In the added time of the first half, Chinsisi Maonga put Silver Strikers ahead with a goal before half time. The goal came about when McDonald Lameck and Maonga started a move on the right-hand side of the wing, where Maonga later played a one-two pass to open himself up for the goal.
At the break, the game was 1-2 in favour of the Central Bankers.
Chitipa United came back in the match at 65 minutes when Joseph Mbaga slotted home a ball that was passed from midfield. After the goal, Coach Mgangira made a change that saw Uchizi Vunga and Levison Maganizo being introduced for Zebron Kalima and Festus Duwe.
The next 10 minutes after the change saw two sides in a tight contest to grab the winner that never came. At 75 minutes, Chikondi Kamanga and Innocent Shema were rested for Nickson Mwase and Stanie Davie. With two minutes to go, Emmanuel Allan was introduced for Binwell Katinji.
After regulation time, the game ended 2-2.
In post match interviews, the gaffer said the team should be concerned about picking a point from two matches and called for a quick turn around of form.
“This is a painful result considering that we came here for maximum points. We took the lead in the first half, but later relaxed. This relaxation has cost us three points, as we were supposed to play the same way as in the first half but didn’t. We created a lot of chances, we scored only two goals, but we needed more. As a team, we need to learn from this match as well and see how we go forward,” he said.
The Central Bankers will return to Lilongwe to host Moyale Barracks in the first leg of the Airtel Top 8 next weekend.
