Silver Strikers returned to action in the FDH Bank Premiership with a 1-1 draw away to Civil Service United in a capital city derby at Civo Stadium Lilongwe.
Silver Strikers came into the match on the back of a 2-0 victory over Karonga United in the Airtel Top 8 Cup last week.
Head Coach Peter Mgangira made four changes to the side that started against Karonga, bringing in goalkeeper George Chikooka, attacking midfielder Chinsisi Maongaand defenders Dan Sandukira and Innocent Mtonga.
Civil made an early substitution in the 11th minute after Chifundo Damba picked up a knock in an aerial duel and was replaced by Emmanuel Muyira.
The hosts started brightly and created several chances before taking the lead in the 15th minute when captain Righteous Banda tapped in a delivery from Khumbo Mhone.
Silver Strikers came close to equalising in the 23rd minute when Innocent Mtonga combined well with Zebron Kalima to release Festus Duwe. Duwe delivered a cross into the box intended for Charles Chipala, who missed it, but the ball fell to Maonga whose effort went off target.
Eighteen minutes later, Silver Strikers were denied an equaliser after Maonga initiated a beautiful move in midfield. He picked out Duwe, who drove forward before releasing Chipala, but Civil goalkeeper Rahaman John came off his line quickly to clear the danger.
The two sides went into the break with Civil leading 1-0.
At the start of the second half, the visitors made a substitution, introducing Christopher Gototo for Festus Duwe.
Chikooka produced a fine save in the 49th minute to deny Madalitso Maso from extending Civil’s lead. Two minutes later, Silver won two consecutive corner kicks taken by Levison Maganizo, but Civil defended well.
Civil introduced China Chirwa for Maso in the 55th minute. Silver’s technical panel responded with a double substitution, replacing Maonga and Mtonga with Lameck Gamphani and Mally Kasongo.
The visitors eventually reaped the rewards of the tactical adjustments as Charles Chipala equalised in the 65th minute following a miscommunication in the Civil defence caused by sustained pressure from Silver.
Nine minutes later, Yankho Billiat replaced Gototo, while Civil introduced Precious Chipungu for Precious Chiudza.
Silver made their final substitution in the 77th minute when captain Zebron Kalima made way for Tatenda M’balaka.
The match ended 1-1, with the spoils shared between the two Lilongwe giants as neither side managed to claim the city’s bragging rights.
The Coach’s Reaction
Reacting to the result, First Assistant Coach Mapopa Kent Msukwa said he was pleased to collect a point, especially considering that the team lost some key players shortly before the match.
“It was a great game. We started well and controlled possession, but we made a mistake and conceded early. That meant we spent most of the game chasing an equaliser, which put us under pressure. We trained with a full squad only to learn at the last minute that some players, such as McDonald Lameck, were leaving. We had to improvise in certain positions. We will do better in the upcoming games,” said Msukwa.
Match Statistics
It was an entertaining encounter as both sides pushed for victory and the capital city’s bragging rights.
Silver Strikers had the better attacking numbers, registering eight goal attempts, with two on target. Civil Service United managed six attempts, with three on target.
Silver also won four corner kicks compared to Civil’s two.
The match was played in good spirit and did not produce a single yellow card or red card.
Man of the Match:
Righteous Banda
Match Line Up for Silver Strikers:
Silver Strikers made four changes to the side that played Karonga United at Silver Stadium. Goalkeeper George Chikooka, attacking midfielder Chinsisi Monga and defenders Dan Sandukira and Innocent Mtonga came on for Charles Thom, Tatenda M’balaka, McDonald Lameck and Uchizi Vunga.
The line-up was as follows: George Chikooka (GK), Innocent Mtonga, Dan Sandukira, Lumbani Nyondo,Innocent Shema, Festus Duwe, Chinsisi Maonga, ZebronKalima, Ernest Petro, Levison Maganizo, and Charles Chipala.
Substitutes: Christopher Gototo (out Festus Duwe-46’),Lameck Gamphani (out Chinsisi Maonga-61’) MallyKasongo (out Innocent Mtonga-61’), Yankho Billiat (out Christopher Gototo-74’), Tatenda M’balaka (out ZebronKalima-77’).
Unused Substitutes: Charles Thom, Lassuli Jali, Precious Kapunda and Emmanuel Allan.
Officiating Team:
Referee: Alfred Chilinda
1st Assistant Referee: Yohane Chiutika
2nd Assistant Referee: Saul Manjawira
Fourth Official: Idih Hassan
