Do-or-die contest for Silver, Epac today

Silver Strikers face a stubborn Epac FC in the Presidential Cup quarter-finals today (Friday) at Civo Stadium in a match that promises fireworks.

In the league, the two teams shared points, but today one must fall.

Knowing what is at stake, Silver Strikers have left nothing to chance as they immediately collected their five key players from Blantyre after the Flames game against Kenya on Wednesday.

The players are are midfielders Frank Banda, Ndaziona Chatsalira, Young Chimodzi Jnr, goalkeeper Charles Swini and defender Lucky Malata.

“Knowing the importance of this game, we drove all night and arrived in Lilongwe around mid night. We want the players to train with the team before the actual match,” Silver treasurer Fred Kalonga said yesterday.

“We will be playing two games within 48 hours and it is important that we have all our players for more options,” he added.

Apparently, Epac are not swayed by the array of talent in the Silver squad.

“We have held them with their best players in the team. We will play our game, but with more effort knowing that it is not about sharing points, but progressing to the semi-final of the competition,” said Epac coach Abbas Makawa.

With complete forwards such as Ishmael Thindwa and winger Musa Manyenje, Epac are lethal on a good day.

But Silver have Malata, Ndaona Daisi and Benedicto Namangwiyo, who are capable of diffusing any offence from Thindwa and Manyenje.