Silver beat rivals Civo to launch title defence: Malawi TNM Super League
TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers launched their title defence on a good note, beating their city rivals Civo United 1-0 in a game played before a sizeable crowd at Civo Stadium on Sunday (April 28, 2013).
However, the result was not a true reflection of the match as it were Civo, who played a more organized and entertaining game. The servants’ only problem was the finishing touch.
Midfielder Davie Moya claimed the game’s lone goal on the half hour when he scored straight from a free kick awarded to the bankers following a foul by Wyson Nkhana on Asedi Ayami.
Both sides made changes in the second half with Silver bringing in Blessings Tembo for Jester Mulima and Civo introducing Martin Masoatheka for Jabulani Linje.
The defending champions were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark when referee Duncan Lengani flashed a red card to Dam Nsimuko for a second bookable offence.
Taking advantage of the numerical representation, Civo pilled incessant pressure on the bankers but the lack of a killer punch betrayed them.
Despite the loss, Civo’s newly confirmed coach Thom Nkorongo praised his charges for putting up a good fight.
“We played very well but lacked the finishing power. I hope things will improve when we sign a
couple of players that have joined us,” said Nkorongo.
His counterpart Franco Ndawa also saluted his charges for playing according to game plan: “First of all I thank God for being on our side. I also thank the players for playing according to our game
plan,” said Ndawa, who started his title defence without any notable new signing.
In other fixtures Mafco returned to the lake empty handed after going down 2-0 to Azam Tigers at Kalulu. The previous day, the soldiers from Salima lost 3-0 to Red Lions.