Chaos as Silver ends Eagles unbeaten run: Malawi TNM Super League
Having gone close to 12 games unbeaten in all competitions, Blue Eagles FC from Area 30 were finally stopped in their tracks as they went down 1-0 at Silver Strikers in a tough TNM Super League match played on Sunday, December 23, 2012.
The all important goal for Silver came on 26 minutes, when Lilongwe based referee Duncan Lengani awarded the bankers a penalty following a handball by one of Eagles defenders inside the D-zone.
Flames’ midfielder Frank Banda, who landed the same afternoon from a tour of duty with the Flames in Durban, South Africa converted the spot kick with his unusual left foot.
The bankers continued piling the pressure after the goal but Eagles’ defence led by captain Steve Chagoma, who was also with the Flames against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana the previous day stood firm to keep the score-line 1-0 by half time.
The second half belonged to the visitors, who kept pushing forward but failed to beat in-form goalkeeper Charles Swini in the bankers’ goals.
It was not surprising the former Escom United custodian was voted man-of-the-match after the while.
Referee Duncan Lengani had a busy afternoon in monitoring the proceedings following a heavily physical game both sides were playing. At the end of 90 minutes Silver 1 Blue Eagles 0.
There were some ugly scenes after the whistle as Eagles goalkeeper Duncan Mkandawire rushed towards unsuspecting Rodrick Gonani and pushed him down.
Stewarts and security personnel, however, moved in fast to control flying tempers from both camps.
Silver’s coach Franco Ndawa praised God for the victory.
“I can’t say much but I thank God for being with us. You can play well but if God is not on your side, you cannot achieve anything,” said Ndawa.
Pressed further to reveal his team’s secret behind the victory, Ndawa said he told his boys to step up their game considering they were playing against a formidable side.
His counterpart Deklerk Msakakuona said it was simply not his team’s day.
“It was a good game but our friends utilized the chance they got from the penalty spot. We still have about eight games to play and we will work extra hard in those games,” said Msakakuona.
With the win Silver dislodged Big Bullets from the second position with 40 points from 19 games. Bullets, who were held 2-all by Mafco at Kamuzu Stadium are now third with 39 points from 21 games.
At Civo Stadium, newly recruited Civo United caretaker coach Thom Nkorongo continued with his impressive run following his side’s 2-0 victory over vising Azam Tigers.
Mighty Wanderers completed their tour of the northern region with a 3-0 routing of bottom-placed Kabwafu after settling for a barren draw against Moyale Barracks the previous
day.
