Silver close in on league title
A 1-0 narrow win for TNM Super League defending champions Silver Strikers over Blantyre-based relegated Evirom FC in Lilongwe’s Area 47 yesterday pushed the Bankers closer to a fourth successive title.
The only goal of the match was scored by former Escom United playmaker Ndaziona Chatsalira in the 18th minute. The goal was a result of typical team-work. A dipping corner kick by Blessings Tembo was flicked in the box by captain Lucky Malata and Chatsalira headed the ball past a stranded Blessings Kameza in Evirom goals.
It could have been 2-0 for Silver had former Civo United attacking midfielder Frank Band converted a penalty awarded after a crude foul on Chawanagwa Kaonga.
Despite the goal, it was agony for Silver fans as the visitors showed resilience. Harold Zulu, Wongani Zulu, Tadala Masamba (formerly of Big Bullets) and Chikondi Mpulula put up a spirited fight, scaring the home fans of an upset.
But the home team managed to hold on and get the three points.
The win was payback cheque after Evirom beat Silver in the first round of the season. Silver are now on 50 points and need just a draw in their last match against Mighty Wanderers to celebrate.
Silver’s fortunes yesterday mean Kamuzu Barracks are out of contention even if they win against Blue Eagles. The highest Kamuzu Barracks can reach is 50 points, but have an inferior goal aggregate compared to Silver.
It is now a three-horse race as Moyale Barracks and Mafco are still in contention.
“It was hard, but we managed to collect the needed three points. We had opportunity to kill the game in the first-half, but we failed to use our chances. Now, we are focusing on beating Wanderers. We will be playing away. It won’t be over until the last game,” said Silver coach Stain Chirwa.
