Silver Strikers replicated their first-round win over Mzuzu City Hammers on Wednesday, scoring three goals past the Mzuzu based side. Earlier in August, the Area 47 side beat the visitors by two goals to nil at Rumphi Stadium.
A brace by Festus Duwe and a second-half own goal earned Silver Strikers maximum points, taking them to 63 points as they remained third in the TNM Super League Mzuzu-based standings.
The Bankers are now tied with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on points.
Duwe first found the back of the net at 21 minutes when George Chikooka started a move from his area and picked up Dan Sandukira, who quickly spotted Duwe, who finished off a good goal.
After the goal, Silver Strikers continued to create numerous chances that saw Binwell Katinji and Chinsinsi Maonga each missing golden opportunities.
In the first half’s added time, Duwe completed his brace when he was set up by Sandukira again. The left back released Duwe on the left, giving him space to dribble inside and curl in a shot that went straight into the net. The goal was the last kick of the half.
At halftime, the Central Bankers made three changes. Levison Maganizo, Emmanuel Allan, and Lassuli Jali were introduced for Binwell Katinji, Uchizi Vunga, and Chinsisi Maonga.
At 65 minutes, Jali made a wonderful run from the center of the pitch to open up Sandukira, who crossed the ball in first to Duwe, who took a shot on goal but was saved before Allan took his own shot, but was saved as well. Maganizo came with another rebound, but his effort hit the post and went out for a goalkick.
Jali was proving to be a thorn in the flesh for the guests as he made yet another run, spotting Lameck on the right. The right back crossed the ball with his first touch and found Allan, who headed the ball towards the goal but missed the target by a few centimeters.
12 minutes from time, Charles Chipala was introduced for Zebron Kalima.
Mzuzu City Hammers netted their own goal in added time after Aubrey Simbi failed to clear a cross from Sandukira.
After the match, Duwe was voted Man of the Match.
First Assistant Coach Mapopa Kent Msukwa described the match as tough but was happy for the win.
“It was a nice game, Mzuzu City Hammers are fighting relegation, therefore we knew they would come hard to salvage some points, but we managed to win. In today’s match, we created a lot of chances this afternoon, and we scored three, and we are happy with the result,” he said.
Silver Strikers will finish the league on Saturday as the side welcomes Blue Eagles at Silver Stadium.
The two sides played out a one-all draw at Nankhaka Stadium in the first round.