Wa Ganyu

Silver Strikers unbeaten run continued in week eleven of the TNM Super League when the Peter Mponda-led side beat their city rivals Civil Service United Football Club by two goals to nil on Sunday at Civo Stadium.

Following his disappointing loss of two points away to Mighty Tigers in Blantyre last week, Mponda gave maiden competitive starts for stars Atusaye Nyondo and Paul Kansungwi. With favourite centre back, Nickson Mwase out for family matters, Innocent Shema sneaked into the starting lineup.

Apart from some opening minutes of disjointed movements, Silver took control of the game from 15 minutes, pushing the hosts to play in their half, but with nothing to show, except for a few chances missed by Chimwemwe Idana and Duncan Nyoni.

As teams went for recess, the stadium had seen no goal.

Sensing the need for goals, Mponda decided to gamble on speed. He rested Nyoni and Nyondo and in their stead, threw Charles Chipala and Chinsisi Maonga into the fray to stretch further Civil’s defence and somehow create more spaces as well as build on counterattacks. 

Just three minutes into the second half, the Bankers drew first blood. Defender Innocent Shema rose highest to head home a well taken corner from Uchizi Vunga.

From then on, the Bankers were unstoppable, driving past the Civil midfield at will and creating more chances, but could not put the game to bed.

Some 17 minutes after their opener, Silver was back with the goods. This time, Chimwemwe Idana won possession at the centre and paced towards the Civil penalty area before releasing Tatenda M’balaka on the left who skilfully whipped a strong low ball for substitute Chipala to finish and put his name on the scoresheet.

At 83 minutes, Civil had an opportunity to claim a consolation goal through a volley from Muhamad Biason but Silver keeper George Chikooka rose high to prove why he deserves to be Flames number one goaltender. He dived high in the air, not just to save, but safely catch the ball and land with it safely to an applause by the whole stadium. 

With the win, the Area 47 side have broken their 11-game unbeaten run of last season under Dutch tactician Peter De Jongh.

Asked on what this victory means, Mponda could not hide his joy, saying the positive start to the league is helping his charges gain confidence.

Mponda further praised his charges for a solid performance both in defence and attack which saw them taking their two main chances in the second half.

Defender Shema was voted man of the match, his first for the season.