Andrew Mdzumira

Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mgagira praised his side’s resilience, describing their 2-0 triumph over Kamuzu Barracks on Sunday, a step in the right direction.

Mgangira, however, cautioned that it is too early to start thinking that the team is back on track.

Speaking in a post-match interview at the Champion Stadium in Mponela, Dowa, he expressed satisfaction with his team’s first win of the new campaign.

The Central Bankers began the season with a 1-0 home defeat to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets before drawing 2-2 away against Chitipa United.

In Mponela, Silver Strikers got off to a flying start when Zebron Kalima opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Chinsisi Maonga to lead 1-0 at half time.

Kamuzu Barracks responded with renewed energy in the second half, applying pressure in search of an equalizer. But all their efforts were in vain.

In the 85th minute, substitute Stain Dave capitalized on a defensive error to double Strikers’ lead.

Kamuzu Barracks goalkeeper Charles Chisale failed to clear a ball from his defender Peter Mughogho, allowing Dave to slot the ball home.

Kamuzu Barracks coach Nicholas Mhango acknowledged his team’s above average performance but lamented missed opportunities.

“We played well but failed to convert our chances,” said Mhango

Reacting to claims from Silver Strikers about the physical nature of the game, he added: “There’s no football without physicality—every team has a fitness trainer.”

Mhango also expressed concern over injuries sustained by two of his influential players namely goalkeeper Charles Chisale and defender Peter Mughogho.

In another match, Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 2–0 Chitipa United and Mighty Tigers lost 1-2 to Blue Eagles.