Wa Ganyu
The season of happiness has come to an end as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have suffered their first defeat of the season after going down 2-0 to Peter Mponda’s side, Silver Strikers.
Mponda continued his home winning streak on Sunday at their home ground in the TNM Super League.
This win pushes the Central Bankers six points clear at the top of the league table, ahead of second-placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets who won against Mzuzu City Tigers on Saturday.
From the opening whistle, Silver Strikers had dozens of scoring opportunities and their forwards took turns in missing.
The Bankers midfield of captain Chikondi Kamanga shielding the defence, with Uchizi Vunga and Chimwemwe Idana scanning open pockets troubled Wanderers all afternoon.
Just 13 minutes into the first half, Zebron Kalima nearly broke the deadlock after receiving a well-placed cross from McDonald Lameck, but his shot narrowly missed the target.
And 10 minutes before recess, with Wanderers keeper Richard Chipuwa already beaten by Charles Chipala, Uchizi Vunga could not finish, sending his shot to Bwandilo.
For Wanderers, their only chance of the first half came at 44 minutes when Isaac Kaliati delivered a cross into the box only for Christopher Kumwembe’s flick to send the wall way over the crossbar.
Despite putting the Nomads under relentless pressure, Silver Strikers could not translate this into goals and the teams went into halftime with the score still 0-0.
Sensing danger, and perhaps the fact that his club president was there, coach Nsazurwimo Ramadhan made two half time changes, bringing in forward Clement Nyondo and Vincent Nyangulu for Kumwembe and Kaliati.
Despite the Nomads changes, it was still the Bankers who started quickly on the gas pedal and their efforts would soon pay off.
In the 57th minute, came the man and the moment. After some good dances on the right by Macdonald Lameck, Chimwemwe Idana squared a pass to an advancing Chikondi Kamanga, who wasted no time but volleyed from outside the box the 18 yard box, leaving Chipuwa with no chance to save the ball as it dropped to his top right corner.
At 60 minutes, and perhaps buoyed by the lead, Mponda brought in Chinsinsi Maonga for Adiel Kaduya to add more fresh legs and maintain their possession. Likewise, Wanderers brought in Daniel Kudonto for Felix Zulu to add some creative flair at the centre, but never paid any credible dividends.
Despite some winter showers starting 10 minutes from time, Silver Strikers’ went on pressing Nomads and their answer came in the 84th minute.
Having realised that Ahamadi Kung’unde and Peter Cholopi had sealed the six yard area, Silver knew they had to rely on their talent again to secure the lead.
Kalima received the ball from Chipala, curled it with his left foot and saw the ball defy the rain to drop into the top right corner of a rooted Chipuwa to send Silver fans into frenzy.
Here and there Nomads did try. A header by Nyangulu. Another by Gaddie Chirwa, but all saved, either by George Chikooka or the disciplined defence led by Nickson Mwase.
By the end of 90 and four added minutes, it was confirmed, Wanderers would be returning from Lilongwe with no point while Mponda commended his charges for playing by the book.
“We played very well today, keeping possession and creating numerous chances. As a home team, we needed to be on top of our game and secure the win. With six points clear at the top, we know we still have a long way to go with just seven games played. The run continues, and we remain focused on our next match,” said Mponda.
Vunga’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
With six points at the top of the table, Silver Strikers have positioned themselves as strong contenders for the TNM Super league title this season.
