Silver Strikers earned maximum points on Thursday after beating Kamuzu Barracks 1-0, courtesy of Lassuli Jali’s added time strike.
The win pushed Silver Strikers to 50 points, although they have maintained the same position on the log table. Silver Strikers remain in third place.
The first half on Thursday lacked the spark, with very little action that could have led to a goal. The half was so physical that the game had a lot of stoppages due to injuries.
The Area 47 side came close to scoring after 10 minutes when Zebron Kalima started a move from the centre and released McDonald Lameck, who crossed the ball inside for Emmanuel Allan, who missed it by a whisker.
This happened to be the only chance for the Central Bankers in the first half. Kamuzu Barracks also squandered their only chance of the half at 45 minutes when they were left with only the goalkeeper to beat.
At half-time, Charles Chipala and Festus Duwe came on for Binwell Katinji and Emmanuel Allan.
The changes brought in a different side altogether in the second half as Silver Strikers started creating chances.
Five minutes into the second half, Maxwell Paipi missed from the penalty spot when a Kamuzu Barracks defender handled the ball in the 18-yard box. Paipi’s effort was saved and came off the post.
Duwe proved to be the change that Silver Strikers needed as he several times broke loose and provided dangerous balls up front.
At 70 minutes, Lassuli Jali came on for Chinsisi Maonga and seven minutes later Zebron Kalima was pulled out for Felix Dumakude.
Five minutes from time, Nickson Mwase headed over the bar a corner kick played by Duwe.
When everyone thought the game would end in a barren draw, Jali finished off an attack orchestrated by Duwe when he tapped in a rebound.
The effort won the match for Silver Strikers which assistant coach Mapopa Kent Msukwa described as a very important one.
“It was a good game. Both sides came in prepared. We created a lot of chances but converted only one in added time. We told the boys not to give up but rather fight on until the end and it paid up. We have won today and we look forward to the next game on Sunday,” Msukwa said.
Silver Strikers will now turn its focus to Sunday as the team welcomes Songwe Boarder United at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
The two sides met earlier in the season at Karonga Stadium where Silver Strikers won 1-3.