Silver Strikers returned to the top of the TNM Super League table following a 1-0 win over Mafco in a match played at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
Chimwemwe Idana scored in the 21st minute to inspire Silver to collect maximum points.
The Central Bankers now have 21 points, one ahead of second-placed FCB Nyasa Bullets from nine matches each.
At Bingu Stadium, Silver dominated after Idana’s goal by creating numerous chances that could have killed the game. But their leading goal scorer Stein Davie was wasteful.
Soon after Silver scored, he missed in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Blessings Kameza.
A couple of minutes later, Davie’s effort hit the woodwork, but there was no Silver player to take the rebound.
Mafco came back a changed side in the second half and enjoyed possession as they played with discipline.
The Salima-based soldiers nearly equalised in the 73rd minute, but Bernard Chimaimba’s cross hit the post and a well-positioned Zikani Sichinga blasted the rebound contestants from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Last year, they brought home three gold and four silver.
“I am so excited to have won my first international gold. This is a great motivation and I will work harder to win more in the next events,” Katsoka said.
Malawi Kickboxing Association (Makba) general secretary Bright Limani said it was satisfying to see local athletes doing well on the international stage.
He attributed the results to the unwavering support they get from the government through the Malawi National Council of Sports, who funded the trip to the tune of K1.5 million. “These results show that we are making progress in kickboxing and the support we get from the Sports Council is the secret behind this positive development,” he said.
