The Maravi Post

LILONGWE--Silver Strikers FC went clear on top of the TNM Super League standings Sunday after edging their city rivals Civo United 1-0 in a thrilling encounter before a packed Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.

The game lived up to its status as a top-of-table-clash with both sides displaying a fast and attacking game. Civo were, however, the better side in the first half, in which they could have buried the game after creating some clear-cut chances.

The first of such opportunities came on the quarter hour, when Nelson Kangunje fired at goal from close range after dispossessing a Silver defender. But his shot crashed against the cross bar to the relief to Silver fans.

A few minutes later, Jabulani Linje was on call but his effort also smashed the post with Silver’s custodian Alex Makina well beaten.

The first half ended goal-less and on resumption, Silver introduced Ndaziona Chatsalira, formerly of Escom United for Jester Mulima. They also pulled out Harvey Nkacha and brought in pint-sized Green Harawa.

Striker Ndaona Daisi, who had a poor first half rewarded his coaches for keeping him on the field of play by scoring the all-important goal of the match in the 68th minute.

The striker pounced on a flick-hear from Harawa and set himself up in the box before heading the pall past advancing Civo goalkeeper Innocent Phiri.

After the goal, Silver tightened up their defence and played delaying tactics to frustrate the visitors who started facing difficulties to penetrate into the bankers’ territory.

Coach Alex Masanjala conceded defeat after the whistle, saying Silver were just lucky to come out victors: “The game was very tough and it was a matter of who was going to be lucky to get a goal. We had good chances especially in the first half but were unlucky not to score,” said Masanjala.

One of Silver’s caretaker coaches Itaye Nundwe concurred with Masanjala that it was a difficult game but praised his charges for putting in an extra effort to win the match.

With the win, Silver have gone clear at the top with 21 points from eight games. Civo remain second with 18 points from 10 games.
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