Bankers silence BB to go top of table: Malawi TNM Super League
Defending TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers have boosted their chances of defending the league title after deservedly beating Big Bullets 1-0 in a tough match played today, November 7, 2013 at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe’s Area 47.
Substitute Chawanangwa Kaonga claimed the lone goal in the 37th minute after beating Bullets custodian Vincent Gona with a hard shot from a tight angle.
The teenager had gone in for Alick Zulu mid-way into the first half before hitting the all-important goal- which has put his side in pole position to defend the crown.
Bullets brought in veteran striker Heston Munthali for Brown Mizeyi at the start of the second half but the move did not yield much as it were the bankers, who kept charging forward.
The bankers’ pint sized forwards Green Harawa and Kaonga proved a handful for Bullets defence, which was without sweeper George Nyirenda, sidelined by injury.
The ‘People’s team’ suffered a major setback in its quest for an equalizer when Mkandawire was given marching orders by Lilongwe based referee Duncan Lengani after kicking Kaonga in an off-ball incident.
Bullets’ bench reacted by pushing in defender Yamikani Fodya and midfielder Blessings Kawanga for midfielder Henry Kabichi and striker Samson Chondwe but the status quo remained up to the last whistle.
Silver coach Stain Chirwa said he was happy with the result, which he said had put his side in a better position to defend the tile.
“If we win our next two games against Mzuzu United and Evirom, we will have clear chances of winning the league. Although the two sides are already relegated, we are not going to underrate them,” said Chirwa, whose side has now gone top of the table with 44 points from 25 games.
Bullets’ Gerald Phiri conceded defeat, condemning the attitude by some of his charges:.
“The game was okey but some of our players did not control their tempers. The officiation was not bad and the red card was genuine.
“We are ourselves to blame for what has happened. With this result, it is now difficult for us even to finish in the top four,” lamented Phiri, whose side has only managed three points out of a possible 15 in its last five league assignments.
The Bullets remain stuck on 37 points from 25 games.
In other fixtures, Blue Eagles played a 1-all draw against Azam Tigers at Nankhaka with Kamuzu Barracks also held to a nil-all draw by visiting Blantyre United at Dedza Stadium.
Epac FC went crashing 2-0 against Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium.
