Eagles down Silver, Masters hold BB

Blue Eagles recovered yesterday from last week‘s loss to TN Stars to down Silver Strikers 2-1 at a nearly full Nankhaka Ground in a bubbly TNM Super League encounter.

It was a solid and commanding performance for the Malawi Police Service (MPS) side playing at home on a chilly afternoon.

Foster Bitoni scored a brace for Eagles.

He gave the hosts the lead just seven minutes into the match, with a powerful shot that eluded on-and-off Flames goalkeeper Brighton Munthali.

But Silver’s hit-man Michael Tetteh levelled after 15 minutes.

The Ghanaian Tetteh was on the right spot to powerfully head into corner of the net past an outstretched John Soko from a Thuso Paipi free-kick.

Eagles reclaimed the lead in the 19th minute through Bitoni again.

But Schumacher Kuwali did the donkey work, dribbling past Silver defenders Mike Roberts and Trevor Kalema to lay a fine pass in the box which Bitoni buried into the net.

At half-time, it was 2-1 to the hosts. The second-half started on a frantic pace again as both sides we are in attacking mood though clear cut chances were few.

Silver nearly levelled in the 62nd minute but Victor Limbani goal-bound shot was  blocked in the box by Oswald Maonja for a corner kick which was not utilised.

Silver pulled out workhorse Duncan Nyoni for Sherrif Shama as they sought to solidify the midfield.

They also introduced Kondwani Mwaila, who replaced Thuso Paipi.

Silver pressured the hosts with relentless attacks as they sought to level but Eagles goalie Soko was outstanding and managed people away dangerous crosses and set pieces.

“I really I am pleased with the way the players responded after last week loss. It was a good performance and the players gave their all. We contained them [Silver] in all departments,” said Eagles coach DeKrerk Msakakuwona in a post-match brief.

Silver assistant coach Peter Mgangira conceded playing second fiddle.

“We conceded goals we could have defended. It was not a good performance today. We need to do better and work on our weaknesses,” said Mgangira.

Eagles are now fourth on the table with 20 points while Silver are stuck on position six.

Bullets collected a point after they were held to a goalless draw by Masters Security at Dedza Stadium.

TN Stars recovered from their 4-1 loss to Be Forward Wanderers and stunned Ntopwa FC 1-0.

China Chirwa scored the lone goal of the game.