Siver pip Civo to be back in title hunt: Malawi Super League
Squarely a week after overcoming Carlsberg Cup champions Blue Eagles, defending TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers proved beyond any reasonable doubt they are the kings of central region as they floored their rivals Civo United 3-0 in another capital city derby staged at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Just like in the first round encounter at Silver Stadium, Civo started the game impressively, forcing the bankers into their own territory but it were the visitors who found a goal- courtesy of former Civo midfielder Frank Banda.
Banda hit the civil servants three minutes to the break with a close range left footer after being set by Harvey Nkacha.
Civo United coach Thom Nkorongo brought in Jabulani Linje for ineffective Joseph ‘Dudu’ Kachule after resumption but the move never paid any dividends as the visitors were now in full control. A goal-bound header by Ndaona Daisi was cleared on the line by Civo’s Wyson Nkhana in what could be a sign of things to come.
Silver’s Franco Ndawa made a tactical change, bringing on left winger Ndaziona Chatsalira for right winger Davie Moya and switching midfielder Nkacha to the right wing.
The move paid off in the 73rd minute, when Nkacha headed in a cross from Daisi to make it 2-0.
Nkorongo exhausted his substitution quarter by bringing in Rodney Nsona Junior for Lazarus Chirwa and Alick Lihuhu for Davie Ng’ambi but this did not stop Nkacha from claiming his brace.
The midfielder-turned striker got to the end of a spilled ball by Civo goalkeeper Innocent Phiri to squeeze in the third goal.
As usual, Ndawa thanked God for being on his team’s side: “I thank God for being on our side. Our friends wanted an early goal but we told our boys to be patient and started pushing for goals when our opponents lost the steam.”
Nkorongo accepted the loss, saying his side failed to take its chances after controlling the first half. Nkorongo also faulted his team’s defence for letting in goals he felt could have been prevented.
With the victory, the bankers now have 43 points, two behind leaders Blantyre United, who had to wait for added time to edge Bvumbwe Research 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium.
At Zomba Community Centre, Leo Mpulula’s Azam Tigers fell prey at the hands of Red Lions, losing 2-0 against the soldiers and Moyale Barracks defeated Mafco 3-1 in an all-soldiers’ affair at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa.
