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Silver, BB in top of table clash

Leaders Silver Strikers and second-placed Nyasa Big Bullets, like pythons crushing their victims slowly and surely, have been squeezing the lives out of their opponents and deservedly lead the TNM Super League table.

But this afternoon, the two giants face-off at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, in an encounter that, more than anything, will give a hint as to who possesses the power, conviction and zeal to successfully last the marathon.

Flashback: Bullets and Silver battling out at Bingu Stadium

The Bankers currently lead the 16-member pack with 30 points from 14 games while Bullets follow up having amassed 28 points but have a match in hand.

A win for either side will consolidate their bid to finish the first round on top and with that a K250 000 package.

Bullets team manager James Chilapondwa, in an interview, tried to dilute the significance of this tussle describing it as any other.

“Let us take out the top-of-the table clash tag from this match. This is just one of the league games; a normal game,” he said.

Chilapondwa was blatant enough to admit that they will fight to win in order not to lose much ground in the contest.

“We can’t afford to lose that would mean a massive setback in the title race which so far is going according to plan,” he said.

Past confrontations have been favouring Bullets who in 16 clashes have claimed seven wins, Silver have four under their belt while five ended in draw.

This season’s statistics show that Bullets have an edge. They are, unlike their hosts, yet to lose a match, they have scored more goals (21) to Silver’s 20 and they have conceded less goals (4) while the bankers have eight.

But the Bankers are refusing to be intimidated by their statistical inferiority.

Said coach Young Chimodzi: “Statistics won’t determine the winner. The best team on the day will win not the team with best statistics.”

He described the match as a crucial to their title aspirations.

“To win the league you must take some points away from your title rivals. This is why we want to limit Bullets’ chances by winning this game,” he said.

Bullets will be hoping that their striking pair of Chiukepo Msowoya and Bright Munthali is sharp enough to claim the much needed goals.

Silver have Mphatso Phillimon as their axis of their attack while Jack Chiona and pacy forward Green Harawa will be the supporting cast in offensive missions.

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