Rachael Kaphaizi

Silver Strikers interim coach Patricio Kulemeka believes the title race remains within reach after his side secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Red Lions at Zomba Stadium.

Andrew Joseph scored in the 88th minute to earn the visitors all three points, keeping their title ambitions alive as they chase the teams above them.

Silver have collected seven points from their first four matches of the second round, two fewer than the nine they earned in their opening four games of the first round. However, Kulemeka remains confident that the gap is manageable.

“We have an ambition to move forward and be the best. As we have said, we are among the top four, and the gap is minimal. We have a target. We go out to play every match, but we also treat each one as a cup final. We have the ambition to get back to where our club is supposed to be,” said Kulemeka.

After the match, Red Lions head coach Malumbo Mkandawire admitted the defeat was disappointing but urged his players to stay focused on their remaining fixtures.

“We tried everything to contain Silver Strikers, but we have lost. We have to look forward and identify the steps we need to take to improve,” said Mkandawire.

He added that the team needed encouragement during this difficult period, stressing that they still had more games to play.

The Central Bankers have climbed from fourth to third in the FDH Bank Premiership standings.