Silver back to winning ways, pip Mafco 3-0: Malawi TNM Super League

Though it wasn’t the best of performance from champions Silver Strikers; the Bankers Wednesday returned to winning ways by beating resilient Mafco F.C 3-0 in the TNM Super League match at the Silver Stadium in Area 47, Lilongwe.

The Bankers had to forget their last weekend 1-0 humbling at the hands of high-flying Mighty Wanderers to secure a win.

Silver under fire coach Franco Ndawa was relieved to see the club return to winning ways, saying it has been a nervous week.

“We responded in a strong way today and hope to continue,” said Ndawa.

Harawa celebrating with team mates. Photo by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasatimes
Harawa celebrating with team mates. Photo by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasatimes

“I am relieved, of course, because it was important to get the three points,” he added.

The game started in a 50-50 situation but the visiting Salima based soldiers started to lose rhythm midway into the first half.

Chawanangwa Kaonga produced a thunderbolt in the eighth minute only to be denied by the cross bar with Mafco goalkeeper Jailosi Kapalamula formerly of Blue Eagles and Epac completely beaten.

Two minutes later, Mafco also responded well through a Chifuniro Phiri long range free kick which was also denied entry into the net by the cross bar .

Then it was Silver all over dominating as Mafco looked powerless upfront following the injury of their marksman Richard Mbulu who was replaced by Chifundo Mphimba who also had a grand game.

Silver made several attempts to take the lead but two header efforts from man of the match Green Harawa and defender Bernard Namangwiyo were cleared off the line.

The soldiers should also praise their keeper Jailosi Kapalamula for a job well done in clearing many would-be goals.

However, Silver’s desperation ended in the 54th minute when Green Harawa scored from the close range.

The goal came from a beautifully taken free kick from Dave Moya which landed on Frank Banda who upon controlling it down through his chest set Harawa who made no mistake in planting the ball into the net.

The goal did not please Mafco Coach Stereo Gondwe who protested but the referee of the day Duncan Lengani did not entertain him.

Gondwe claimed Dave Moya was not supposed to take the free kick that resulted into the goal because he is the one who was injured alongside a Mafco player for the referee to award the Bankers a free kick therefore he was supposed to leave the pitch first.

The goal completely demoralized Mafco and ended up playing rugby tackles.

They were later forced to make another change following the injury of their player Manuel Chipeta who was replaced by Suzgo Chirwa.

Silver also brought in Chikondi Likwemba replacing Dave Moya before introducing Jester Mlima for teenager Jimmy Ukonde.

Green Harawa produced a solo effort in the 82nd minute before hitting  a 25 metres drive which went straight into the net beating helpless Kapalamula who did not expect the shot.

Towards the end of the match, Mafco midfielder Sadani Mangwere who came in as a substitute escaped a red card when he man handled and hit Jester Mlima to the ground after he had tackled him.

But the referee ended up flashing the two with yellow cards.

As everyone thought the game will end 2-0, Chawanangwa Kaonga headed in the third in the injury time.

It was a relief to all Bankers supporters who went wild.

Mafco coach Gondwe had no kind words for the referee.

“We were completely let down by the first goal, the player who took the free kick-Dave Moya was supposed to go out if the rules of the game are anything to go by, he was not supposed to resume playing after being treated,” said Gondwe.

“The other two goals we can’t complain they were genuine goals and what else can we say we have lost that’s football,” he concluded.

Silver have another uphill task this weekend as they face Blue Eagles at home.

Mafco coach Sterio Gondwe protesting Silvers first goal Photo by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasatimes
Mafco coach Sterio Gondwe protesting Silvers first goal Photo by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasatimes
Tension after Silver players was hit by Mafco's Sadani Mangwere. Photo by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasatimes
Tension after Silver players was hit by Mafco’s Sadani Mangwere. Photo by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasatimes

 

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