Silver Strikers, Bullets held to goalless draws
Silver Strikers were yesterday held to a goalless draw by their capital city rivals Civo United in a TNM Super League showdown at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
But despite dropping two points, the Bankers still lead the 16-team league with 42 points from 22 matches after second-placed Nyasa Big Bullets were also held to a barren draw by a strong-willed Azam Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Bullets now have 41 points from 23 games.
Silver started very aggressively forcing two saves from Civo goalkeeper Duncan Mkandawire. Striker Mathews Sibale nearly broke the deadlock seven minutes into the match but he shot over the bar from close range.
Gradually, Civo settled and started taking the game to the hosts but no worthwhile chances were created the entire first half.
The second half saw the hosts playing with renewed purpose with Thuso Paipi, Levison Maganizo and Duncan Nyoni combining well in attack but they were blunt in front of goal.
Civo’s best chance came in the 75th minute when their playmaker Nelson Kangunje, who was unmarked in the goal area, shot wide after receiving a fine pass from Righteous Banda.
In a post-match interview, Silver coach Lovemore Fazili said: “We should blame ourselves for not making use of the chances we had. We could have killed the game in the first half”.
Manda acknowledged playing second fiddle, but gave credit to his players for a gallant fight.
In Blantyre, the Tigers versus Bullets match also failed to stir the passions.
Tigers had a goal by Precious Phiri disallowed for an infringement in the 88th minute while Bullets were denied what looked like a penalty after a Tigers player handled in the box.
And after the final whistle, Bullets players mobbed referee Andy Kuseli in protest against his decision to wave play on.
Police had to fire tear gas outside the stadium to disperse irate Bullets fans that bayed for Kuseli’s blood for not granting their team a penalty.
At Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota, Mafco moved up to third after coming from behind to beat Karonga United 3-1.
Hygiene Mwendepeka put Karonga ahead but Mafco’s talisman Richard Mbulu claimed a hat-trick.
Bullets and Mafco are tied on points but are separated by goal difference.
At Kalulu Stadium in Nchalo, Chikwawa, Red Lions beat league anchors MTV Max Bullets 2-0. Innocent Bokosi and Boniface Kaulesi were on target for the Reds. n
