Wa Ganyu
“Sorry, my team.” Silver Strikers left back defender Precious Sambani writes just after his costly mistake proved to be a precious gift for his former club FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Sambani’s error on the backline just after 30 minutes led to a 1-0 loss in the opening match of the 2025 TNM Super League at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe.
Sambani, receiving the ball on the left side of the backline, hesitated to release the ball in fear of an advancing pintsized Yamikani Mologeni.
But it was Wongani Lungu who saw an opportunity, pressing on Sambani and dispossessing him of the ball. Quickly, he squared it to an advancing Babatunde Adepoju whose easy job was to tap into the net, beating an already mispositioned George Chikooka.
From then on, the Bankers faced a challenging time, dancing to Bullets who were stronger in almost every department, first on the ball and winning loose balls through their enterprising midfielder Yankho Singo.
Before the end of the first half, Silver Strikers coach Peter Mgangira played last reason’s Bankers antics, bringing in dreadlocked Festus Duwe and Dan Sandukila for Chinsinsi Maonga and Sambani who survived a torrid afternoon.
Sambani, an experienced international, was crestfallen as he slowly, disappointed and surprised, walked out to consolations from his mates.
A few more squandered opportunities by Bullets and some not-so-successful attempts by Silver Strikers meant the first half ended with both teams rushing to the dressing room for pep talks.
In the second half, both teams were back on the front foot in search of another goal. Ahead of the Easter holidays, referee Easter Zimba wanted to be remembered. So he produced his own moment of magic, but madness, betrayal and incompetence for the fans.
At 72 minutes, Maxwell Gastin Phodo was det forward by Babatunde Adepoju. Holding strongly to the ball, he managed to squeeze his way past Silver’s Innocent Shema to slot the ball into the net for a goal.
Referee Easter Zimba, in one moment pointed to the centre circle for a legitimate goal, only to reverse his decision, citing a foul on Shema.
The controversial call has sparked significant debate, with many questioning its impact on the match’s outcome.
Lineups
Silver – George Chikooka (GK), McDonald Lameck, Precious Sambani, Maxwell Paipi, Innocent Shema, Chikondi Kamanga (C), Chimwemwe Idana, Uchizi Vunga, Chinsisi Maonga, Zebron Kalima, Binwell Katinji.
Bullets – Richard Chimbamba (GK), Yamikani Mologeni, Blessings Mpokera, Lloyd Aaron (C), Blessings Joseph, Chikumbutso Salima, Yankho Singo, Babatunde Adepoju, Wongani Lungu, Wongani Lungu and Andrew Jovinala.
