By Andrew Mdzumira

Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mgangira has cautioned his players against complacency ahead of their Airtel Top 8 quarter-final second leg against Karonga United, despite holding a 2-0 advantage from the first encounter.

The two sides will meet on Sunday, 12 July, at Karonga Stadium, with Silver Strikers aiming to secure their place in the semi-finals while Karonga United will be looking to produce a comeback in front of their home supporters.

Silver Strikers took control of the tie after defeating Karonga United 2-0 at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, courtesy of a brace from Charles Chipala. Karonga United also suffered a setback when Lovemore Ngolombe was sent off during the first leg.

Speaking ahead of the decisive encounter, Mgangira said his team respects Karonga United and will not take the advantage for granted.

“We are facing a team whose recent performances and results have not been favourable, but we cannot underestimate them. They have appointed a new coach, so there is no room for complacency. We must also remember that we won the first leg 2-0,” said Mgangira.

The Silver Strikers boss confirmed that preparations have gone well and revealed that Eric Atsigah and Nickson Mwase are available for selection.

Mgangira said his side will not travel to Karonga simply to defend their lead, but will look to continue from where they left off in the first leg.

“We are not going there to defend. We want to carry on from where we left off in the first leg,” he added.

Meanwhile, Karonga United interim coach Chris Chimkwita believes his team has what it takes to overturn the deficit and progress to the next stage of the competition.

Chimkwita Phiri said he is not under pressure despite serving as interim coach, explaining that he has experience guiding teams through difficult periods.

“We are not afraid of Silver Strikers, but we respect them because they are one of the biggest teams in Malawi. However, in cup competitions there is no difference between a big team and a small team,” he said.

Karonga United must score at least two goals without conceding to force extra time, while Silver Strikers need only to protect their advantage to secure a place in the Airtel Top 8 semi-finals.

The second-leg clash is expected to test Silver Strikers’ experience against Karonga United’s determination to complete a memorable comeback.