The Central Bankers returned to winning ways on Sunday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Red Lions, courtesy of a first-half brace from Innocent Shema and a second-half strike from Festus Duwe.
Silver Strikers came into the match on the back of a 1-1 draw against Civil Service United last week.
Head coach Peter Mgangira made four changes to the side that started against Civil, bringing in defender-cum-midfielders Yankho Billiat and Tatenda M’balaka, midfielder Lasuli Jali and attacker Lameck Gamphani.
The hosts started brightly and created several chances before taking the lead in the 13th minute when Ernest Petro was brought down by Humphreys Minandi, who was shown a yellow card for the foul just outside the box. Shema stepped up and curled a brilliant direct free kick into the net to put the Central Bankers ahead.
Silver Strikers continued to attack with intent and doubled their lead five minutes later. Gamphani delivered a perfectly weighted corner and Shema rose highest to head home his second goal of the afternoon.
The Central Bankers created another opportunity in the 28th minute from yet another corner, but the move ended with the visitors’ goalkeeper Precious Mitolo and striker Royal Bokosi requiring treatment following a collision.
Red Lions responded with a triple substitution as the injured Bokosi, Wakisa Mwakifuna and Minandi made way for Dan Nyambose, Matamando Mwatchipisa and Kaliwo Harawa. However, it was Silver that continued to threaten with dangerous attacks.
The two sides went into the break with Silver Strikers leading 2-0.
The Central Bankers resumed the second half from where they had left off, although Red Lions also enjoyed better spells as they gradually grew into the contest.
Silver’s technical panel responded with a triple substitution in the 67th minute as Levison Maganizo, Festus Duwe and Emmanuel Allan replaced Lasuli Jali, Lameck Gamphani and Charles Chipala.
Allan almost made an instant impact eight minutes after coming on, but his effort was tipped over the bar by Precious Mitolo. The Red Lions goalkeeper was called into action again in the 77th minute, punching away a dangerous Duwe corner.
Silver’s persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute when Allan picked out Duwe, who finished superbly to put the result beyond doubt.
The hosts made their final changes in the 84th minute as captain Zebron Kalima and Lumbani Nyondo were replaced by Precious Kapunda and Austin Yasin, respectively.
Red Lions also introduced Latif Sharif and Davie Chikaonda in place of Mphatso Magaleta and Prince Penemulungu Saka.
The match ended 3-0, with Silver Strikers collecting maximum points to move to the top of the FDH Bank Premiership table.
The Coach’s Reaction
First Assistant Coach Mapopa Kent Msukwa described the performance as one that reflected exactly what the team had worked on throughout the week, but stressed that going top of the table changes nothing in their approach.
“It was a very good performance from the boys. We controlled the game, dominated possession, scored three goals and kept a clean sheet, which is always pleasing. But we are not getting carried away because going top of the table does not win you the league. We have to remain humble, keep working hard and improve our finishing because we created enough chances to score even more goals,” said Msukwa.
Match Statistics
It was an entertaining encounter as the hosts pushed for victory to return to winning ways and reclaim top spot in the league.
Silver Strikers enjoyed the better attacking statistics, registering 12 goal attempts, seven of them on target. Red Lions managed six attempts, with four on target.
The Bankers also won seven corner kicks compared to Red Lions’ four.
The match was played in good spirit, producing only two yellow cards, with each side receiving one.
Man of the Match:
Innocent Shema
Match Line Up for Silver Strikers:
Silver Strikers made four changes to the side that started against Civil, bringing in defender-cum-midfielders Yankho Billiat and Tatenda M’balaka, midfielder Lasuli Jali, and attacker Lameck Gamphani.
The line-up was as follows: George Chikooka (GK), Dan Sandukira, Lumbani Nyondo, Innocent Shema, Yankho Billiat, Tatenda M’balaka, Zebron Kalima, Ernest Petro, Lasuli Jali, Lameck Gamphani and Charles Chipala.
Substitutes: Festus Duwe (out Lameck Gamphani -67’), Levison Maganizo (out Lasuli Jali-67’) Emmanuel Allan (out Charles Chipala-67’), Precious Kapunda (out Zebron Kalima-84’), Austin Yasin (out Zebron Kalima-84’).
Unused Substitutes: Charles Thom, Chikondi Likambale, Chinsisi Maonga, and Innocent Mtonga.
Officiating Team:
Referee: Kondwani Kamwendo
1st Assistant Referee: Evance Msonda
2nd Assistant Referee: Chikumbutso Chimndaka.
Fourth Official: Alfred Chilinda
