Silver fall to Lions again: Malawi TNM Super League
Silver Strikers faltering TNM Super League title challenge suffered another blow on Sunday when they lost 1-0 at home to Red Lions winner by Dickson Mbetewa Jnr he rose high to head in a corner kick in the 22nd minute.
The Lions who were having total control of the possession nearly had their lead cancelled three minutes after scoring when Silver were awarded a penalty by referee Jones Makhuwira following a handball in the penalty box by Kelvin Katema.
Ndaziona Chatsalira who was handed the responsibility of taking the penalty blasted the ball over the bar to the delight of Lions players.
In the 30th minute Silver Strikers introduced Peter Pindani replacing Ndaziona Chatsalira.
Pindani tried to bring in new magic but the Lions were alert thanks to captain Benis Kaisi who marshaled the defence jealously throughout the entire 90 minutes of the game. He produced a nice footwork dribbling past two defenders in the last minute of the first half but his final set piece found none of his colleagues in the box.
In the second half both teams made several substitutions to rejuvenate their sides.
Man-of-the match Mbetewa Jnr nearly registered a brace but he was denied by a Silver defender in the 56th minute as he was about to take a final shot from inside the box after he had beaten two other defenders.
Flames international Dave Banda, Chimwemwe Gundampanda and Kumbukani Mwambene were a marvel to watch from the Lions side with only Frank Banda and substitute Young Chimodzi Jnr putting up strong resistance.
Banda made two beautiful runs setting up Gonani who was really seen in the game but he shot straight into Red Lions keeper Brighton Ngwenyama while his second attempt was blocked for a corner kick.
Controversy
Things turned ugly in the 56th minute when Silver technical panel pulled out Pindani who came in as a substitute.
Silver strikers supporters started to throw insults on their bench and later started chanting that their coach Franco Ndawa should be fired.
Pindani also showed his anger and disappointment as he went straight into the dressing room after being substituted.
He later posted on his Facebook page describing the day as “one of his worst days” in his entire football career.
After the final whistle, Silver supporters flocked to the dressing baying for Ndawa’s head.
Silver team bus was also left from the stadium without picking the players who were also hunted by the angry mob.
Post match comments
During the post match interview with Nyasa Times, Red Lions coach Collins Nkuna was in
cloud nine.
“After losing to Epac yesterday (3-0) I told my boys that we need to work hard. They did just that and everything went according to plan and am happy we have won” he said.
Ndawa said he was “short of words and disappointed.”
Defeat was Silver second loss to Lions in a month after they were knocked in the Carlsberg Cup.
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