Silver Strikers Reserve claimed its first victory and maximum points in the 2026/27 GOJET Investments CRFA Division One League season following a 1-0 win over Santhe Admarc in their third league match at ADL Ground in Lumbadzi on Saturday.
The Area 47 Reserve side went into the encounter searching for a first win of the campaign and made a bright start, registering two shots on target inside the opening 10 minutes.
An individual moment of brilliance from Gift Msiska handed Silver Reserve the lead in the 16th minute when Msiska dispossessed an opponent before driving into the penalty area, rounding off two defenders and the goalkeeper and calmly slotting the ball into the net.
The Central Bankers Reserve continued to create chances for the remainder of the first half, forcing the visitors into a substitution in the 39th minute, although it had little impact on the flow of the game.
Head coach McDonald Yobe said the victory was important as it would give the team confidence going into the upcoming fixtures.
“It is an important win. The boys will gain confidence from this result. It is good for us that we have won. We just need to keep pushing one another. They are young boys, and we have to teach them in a way that helps them learn quicker. We created numerous chances, but we could not convert them. The boys need to be more composed when in possession of the ball. We believe in them, and we know they will continue improving,” said Yobe.
The Reserve side changed their approach at the start of the second half by making a double substitution, introducing Prince Kumwembe and Haward Kamuona for Cosmas Lyton and Msiska. Further changes saw Blessings Phiri replace Hadji Dyton in the 71st minute before Archangel Mayola came on for Chrispin Julayi six minutes later. Umali Musa was introduced in the 83rd minute for Kamuona, who was forced off after picking up a knock.
Both sides created scoring opportunities throughout the match. Silver Strikers Reserve finished with 19 goal attempts, 6 of them on target, while Santhe Admarc managed 3 attempts, with only 1 testing Jonathan Mtonga on goal.
Chrispin Julayi capped off an impressive afternoon by being named Player of the Match.
Silver Strikers Reserve Starting XI:
Jonathan Mtonga (GK), Moffat Mnyontho (C), Binali Utsi, Cosmas Lyton (Prince Kumwembe 46′), Patrick Mponda, Chrispin Julayi (Archangel Mayola 77′), Hadji Dyton (Blessings Phiri 71′), Sylvester Phiri, Vincent Kamaba, Alufeyo Nyirenda, Gift Msiska (Haward Kamuona 46′ (Umali Musa 83′).
Unused substitutes:
Ulemelero Chimeza (GK), Bright Ng’oma, Brino Mdumuka, Mattias Kawanga.
