The Central Bankers registered a first loss away to Blue Eagles FC on Sunday after going down 1-0 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Area 30 Policemen chalked up their second win of the season as they returned from a loss to Chitipa United at Chitipa Stadium last weekend.
A 31st-minute strike by Bennet Konyo was what Blue Eagles required to stage a return to fine form.
Silver Strikers were quick to register their intentions of snatching a lead early into the match when Zebron Kalima’s effort hit the post after he received a good ball from Festus Duwe.
A minute later, Duwe came forward again but was fouled. The preceding free kick was curled in to find Andrew Joseph, who connected the ball with a header, but his effort went wide.
The Central Bankers won a penalty at 15 minutes when David Phiri handled the ball in the 18-yard box. McDonald Lameck stepped up but missed the target as the ball went over the bar.
After the penalty miss, Silver Strikers’ tempo went down, and that allowed Blue Eagles to settle into the match. At 31 minutes, Konyo connected a throw-in by Tonic Viyuyi that the guests failed to clear to put Blue Eagles in front.
Silver Strikers returned with momentum as the side won one corner after another, but did not convert any. The hosts took the lead to recess.
At the break, Head Coach Peter Mgangira made a double change by bringing in Emmanuel Allan and Uchizi Vunga for Lameck Gamphani and Zebron Kalima.
Ten minutes into the second half, Duwe played in a corner that found Allan, but his effort was not strong enough to beat the Eagles’ defense.
At 72 minutes, Christopher Gototo and Charles Chipala were introduced for Andrew Joseph and Dan Sandukira. Ten minutes after this change, Mally Kasongo came on for Levison Maganizo, but this did not change matters.
The Coach’s Reaction:
Head Coach Peter Mgangira said this was a painful defeat, having his side create a lot of chances that they did not convert; however, he downplayed being concerned with the result as his side displayed a good game.
“Congratulations to Blue Eagles, it was a good match, but we did not take our chances and failed to score. You win matches when you score, and that was all we had today. It wasn’t a tough match because we created lots of chances; a match becomes tough if you don’t create chances. We failed to overturn a penalty and our friends scored; that’s part of the game. If you fail to score, you get punished”, Mgangira said.
Match Statistics:
An entertaining match full of action but short of goals. Silver Strikers managed to get six goal attempts, the same as Blue Eagles. However, Blue Eagles had fewer shots on target as they registered only three, but managed to score one in the first half. Silver Strikers had four shots on target, but unfortunately, turned none into a goal.
The Central Bankers managed to win eight corners compared to three from Blue Eagles.
The hosts picked three yellow cards through Micium Mhone, Gilbert Chirwa, and David Phiri whist the guests got one (Lumbani Nyondo).
The match did not produce a red card.
Man of the Match:
Webster Nzunda- Blue Eagles FC.
Match Line Up for Silver Strikers:
Midfielder Lameck Gamphani was handed his first start for Silver Strikers in place of Chinsisi Maonga, who did not make the trip to Civo Stadium on Sunday. Gamphano was the only change for the Silver Strikers’ side that beat Moyale Barracks last week.
The line-up was as follows: George Chikooka (GK), Dan Sandukira, Nickson Mwase, Lumbani Nyondo, McDonald Lameck, Festus Duwe, Lameck Gamphani, Zebron Kalima, Ernest Petro, Levison Maganizo, and Andrew Joseph.
Substitutes: Uchizi Vunga (out Zebron Kalima-45’), Lameck Gamphani (out Emmanuel Allan-45’), Christopher Gototo (out Andrew Joseph-72’), Charles Chipala (out Dan Sandukira-72’), Mally Kasongo (out Levison Maganizo Duwe-82’)
Unused Substitutes: Christopher Mikuwa (GK), Innocent Shema, Tatenda M’balaka, Lasuli Jali, Austin Yasin, and Innocent Mtonga.
Officiating Panel:
Referee-Dickson McCloud
First Assistant Referee- Limbani John
Second Assistant Referee- Chikumbutso Chimdaka
Fourth Official- William Chidambo
