Silver win LL derby
Silver Strikers recovered from a bad start to the 2016 TNM Super League and deservedly got maximum points after beating Civo United 2-1 yesterday at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
At Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, Blue Eagles continued with their winning streak with a 5-3 win over rookies Max Bullets to open a seven-point gap at the summit of the log table.
In the capital city derby, Binwell Katinji was the hero of the day when he scored late in the game to ensure visiting Silver get the three points.
Thuso Paipi’s deflected shot in 35th minute gave visiting Silver Strikers a deserved lead after long periods of domination.
Despite no attempt on target for the opening 30 minutes, the visitors were the more dominating and threatening side.
The quartet of Levison Maganizo, Victor Limbani, Paipi and Mark Fodya combined well in attack forcing Civo’s experienced defence of Wyson Nkana, Lameck Kachimanga, Patience Kalumo and Nelson Kangunje into rearguard action.
Had Silver been sharp in front of goal, they would have led comfortably during interval.
Civo levelled the score in the 40th minute when Nelson Kangunje made use of a melee in Silver’s box to slot the ball past Blessings Kameza, who appeared to have been blocked by his defenders.
This was after Silver defence failed to clear a Gerald Nkungula well floated cross and Kangunje ghosted in to provide the final flourish.
After recess Silver continued their invasion in Civo United territory. But it was the same song of chances created but no substance.
Sensing impotency, Silver assistant coach Lovemore Fazili added experience in the midfield, taking off Fodya for Blessings Tembo.
“It was a poor performance today. I am not happy. We need to work hard and rectify the mistakes. Our opponents were much better, “ said Civo coach Milias Pofera Jegwe in a post-match brief.
Fazili gave credit to his players for the victory.
“We were steady and committed despite missing so many chances and conceding that goal late before recess. We just were good, “ said Fazili.
In the match between Eagles and Max Bullets, the hero of the afternoon for the Lilongwe-based cops was Maxwell Salambula.
Salambula scored the first goal which was cancelled by Samson Chonde, but the former went on to score the second for Eagles before Gregory Nachiko made it 3-1.
In the second half, Charles Ngosi scored the fourth before Salambula claimed a hat-trick. Chonde and Bongani Zulu scored the other two goals for Max Bullets.
Mzuzu University (Mzuni) emerged the winners of the Mzuzu derby 1-0 over Moyale Barracks courtesy of Lwindiko Nhlane’s strike. n
