Silver Strikers yesterday restored their seven-point lead in the TNM Super League after edging Kamuzu Barracks (KB) 1-0 in a Lilongwe derby at Silver Stadium.
On Saturday, the Bankers lead was cut to four points after second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ 10-0 comprehensive demolition of table-anchors Baka City of Karonga at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, but the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit tightened their grip in the chase for the title with yesterday’s victory.
Silver, who still stand proudly as the only team yet to taste defeat in the current campaign, now have 48 points from 20 matches.
The lone strike came from an own goal by Michael Mtonyo in the 35th minute from a Chimwemwe Idana cross.
The visitors, led by their marksman Zelliat Nkhoma, fought for an equaliser, but the hosts held on to calm the nerves as the stadium oozed anxiety.
Silver coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said he was frustrated that after creating a good number of scoring chances, they failed to make them count.
He said: “It was a tough game, but on the balance of play, they [KB] did not create enough, but they were solid and denied us spaces.
“When we scored the first goal, we thought the second would come, but it was difficult. All the same, a clean sheet, three points, good enough.”
On his part, KB coach Charles Kamanga said they tried everything, but they did not have an ounce of luck.
“Credit should go to the boys, they played well and gave their all, but it didn’t work out,” he said. KB are sixth with 31 points from 20 matches.
Meanwhile, struggling defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets recovered from their shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bangwe All Stars to beat Chitipa United 4-2 at Kamuzu Stadium.
It took three minutes only for the People’s Team to take the lead through their Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju with a simple tap-in from a rebound after Stanley Billiat’s attempt hit the post.
Precious Sambani doubled the lead for Bullets in the 17th minute with a powerful shot outside the box after being set up by Ernest Petro from a free kick.
Five minutes later, Adepoju claimed a brace and Bullets’ third.
The hosts comfortably led 3-0 at the interval, but Chitipa were a recharged side in the second half and hit one back through Blessings Joseph in the 46th minute.
But Bullets restored their three-goal lead through Gasten Phodo in the 81st minute before Stimela Muyira claimed the second for Chitipa four minutes later.
Following the win, Bullets have moved a step up to ninth with 27 points from 18 matches while Chitipa are 14th with 17 points from 21 games.
In other matches, Karonga United beat Mafco FC 3-1, Civil Service United pipped PremierBet Dedza Dynamos 1-0 while Mzuzu City Hammers and Mighty Waka-Waka Tigers played out a goalless draw.
