Questions and theories persist on how giant-killers Blantyre United collapsed 5-0 to Silver Strikers recently like a deck of cards on a table.
Therefore, today’s TNM Super League meeting with Azam Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium provides United a perfect platform to prove that the whacking in Lilongwe was a one-off blip.
United administrator Lawson Nakoma on Thursday admitted that their uncharacteristic loss, which killed off title aspirations, proved right those who suggest his charges are poor league finishers.
“We fancy our chances of beating Tigers. The loss to Silver was one-off and we have learnt from it,” insisted Nakoma.
Now with Silver one foot in the Promised Land on 58 points and second-placed Big Bullets on 55 points with both a game to go, United’s solace is on finishing third.
Nakoma said his charges needed to win the last two games, including against Epac FC at the same venue tomorrow, to be certain of that finish.
“Our maximum tally is 54 points; hence, our biggest threats are Red Lions who can finish on 49 points and Mighty Wanderers who can reach 51 points. There is much to fight for and the players appreciate this. If we finish fifth, then we will get nothing,” Nakoma noted.
At stake is the prospect of securing an outright top-six position, which opens doors to opportunities and over K2 million (about $5 714) at stake for the third place.
Tigers will surely be seething with anger as they lost to the Elia Kananji side, which boasts notorious goal-hunters Brown Mizeye and Sparrow Msowoya, in the first round.
Tigers are built on Kondwani Lufeyo’s lion’s heart, Yamikani Chester’s innovations and Maxwell Mwanyongo promise upfront alongside others such as Mavuto Chipolopolo.
Perched ninth on 37 points and winding up their assignments today, Tigers have won once in the four matches; a further cause to spar the Kau Kau for a fight.
