Silver goes second, beat Lions: Malawi TNM Super League
Silver Strikers on Saturday moved to second position of the TNM Super League after beating Red Lions 2-1 in a dull and less entertaining match played at the Balaka Stadium to start enhancing their own title chances.
The game looked lively and a 50-50 affair only in the opening ten minutes.
Thereafter, the Lions turned into their usual physical style of play to the frustration of the Bankers who could not play their usual one touch football they are known for.
The Central Bankers scored their opening goal at the dot of half time through striker Matthews Sibale.
In the second half, Silver substituted their man of the moment Thusso Paipi who failed to impress throughout the match as he was a mere tourist in the pitch.
He was replaced by experienced Blessings Tembo.
Tembo’s introduction changed the tempo of the game as he made some good runs and floated some nice crosses into the penalty box from the right flank.
Midway into the second half, Tembo extended the lead after he headed in a captain Lucky Malata’s free kick.
Red Lions reduced the arrears towards the end of the match through a free kick from Gibson Nkhonjera.
Silver nearly got punished in the 89th minute but the soldiers were not sharp enough upfront to put the ball at the back of the net.
It was 2-1 at the end of full regulation time to the delightment of Silver coach Lovemore Fazili.
Fazili said he is happy that the new team he is building is slowly catching up after struggling in the opening games.
He also applauded his charges for collecting maximum points away from home.
“It feels good to collect points away and we will make sure we maintain the good form,” said Fazili in an interview after the match.
On the other hand, Red Lions coach Mike Kumanga described the result as disappointing.
“It is a very disappointing result and we never expected to lose this game. We managed to contain them in the first half and we ended up giving them two goal,” he said.
Kumanga said he is surprised with the poor perfomance his team is showing comparing to last season.
“These are the same players we had last season and I dont know what is going on but I think we need to sit down with the players and executive to find out what is really happening” he added.
Red Lions have so far played eight games winning twice and losing six times.
They remain stuck on position thirteen while the Bankers have dislodged Mafco FC from second position.
They have 16 points from eight games two behind leaders Blue Eagles who leads with 18 points.
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