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Silver break cup jinx

Ghana soccer star Asamoah Gyan (L) presents trophy  to Silver Strikers captain Lucky Malata
Ghana soccer star Asamoah Gyan (L) presents trophy
to Silver Strikers captain Lucky Malata

Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) sponsored Silver Strikers yesterday ended their seven-year cup drought with a 1-0 win over Azam Tigers in the eighth edition of the Standard Bank Knockout Cup final in Lilongwe.
After two abortive consecutive attempts in which they lost in the finals to Blantyre-based Mighty Wanderers, the Bankers yesterday held their nerve to end their unhappy run in the showpiece.
Relief was the prevalent emotion in the sky-blue side of the capital city and the Bankers turned Civo Stadium into a theatre of celebrations. It was time to move forward.

 
The compelling contest was watched by a huge turnout that included United Nations (UN) Aids ambassador and Ghana’s Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan —who was a special guest, Minister of Youth and Sports Grace Chiumia, Standard Bank (Malawi) Limited chief executive officer Andrew Mashanda, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu and Ministry of Youth and Sports Principal Secretary Justin Saidi.
One flash of class by Rodrick Gonani in the ninth minute was enough to earn Silver the K9 million grand prize. Silver last won the cup in 2007.
The goal was scored in horribly sloppy fashion when Gonani, a former Tigers player, pounced on a loose ball to claim the priceless goal after the Kau Kau defence was caught napping.

 
Playing without three key players—Isaac Kaliati, Stanley Sanudi and Boston Kabango— who were with the Under-20 national team in Zambia, Tigers fought with renewed purpose in the second-half but failed to break the Bankers’ resistance.
Gomezgani Gondwe, captain Malumbo Gondwe, Bernard Harawa and Diverson Chilemba fought hard, but it was not enough.
Silver also missed some clear-cut chances with in-form Ian Banda and Peter Wadabwa being the notable culprits.
In a style reminiscent of trends on the international scene, the cup was presented right on the football pitch and it was time to stand up for the champions.

 
A visibly dejected Tigers technical director Robin Alufandika blamed FAM for the loss.
He said: “It’s a present from FAM to Silver because they forced us to play the final without three key players [who were with the Under-20 soccer team]. Anyway, congratulations to Silver.”
Silver’s coach Stein Chirwa was relieved and excited.
“This is a special gift to our fans for their patience,” said Chirwa.
Tigers received K5 million as a consolation prize. n

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