TNM Super League title contenders Silver Strikers suffered a blow in their quest for the championship after they suffered a 3-2 loss away to debutants Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium Sunday.
The result pushed the Bankers to fourth position on the log table, with 32 points from 18 matches, and they failed to leapfrog league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and third-placed Chitipa United.
Bullets remain at the top of the log table with 34 points from 17 matches whereas Wanderers and Chitipa are tied on 33 points, having played 18 games apiece.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Silver were the favourites but were left frustrated when Robert Saizi opened Bangwe’s goal account in the 28th minute.
Yamikani Mulogeni doubled the Blantyre-based team’s lead in the 39th minute.
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However, the Bankers were a changed side in the second half, such that they scored two quick goals to give themselves hope of securing maximum points.
Adiel Kaduya narrowed Bangwe’s lead in the 60th minute before Atusaye Nyondo equalised three minutes later.
However, Flames budding star Saizi had other ideas as he scored in the 90th minute to give Bangwe three precious points.
For coach Abel Mkandawire, who has taken over from Joseph Kamwendo—who is the assistant coach—there could have been no better welcome than this.
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Mkandawire said his focus was to help the team finish in the top 10.
“I noticed that the team was playing well but failing to score goals. We worked hard on finishing during training sessions and, now, we will focus on defending. My target is to finish in the top five,” he said.
Silver Coach Pieter de Jongh, who complained about one of the assistant referees, said they gifted Bangwe the first goal.
“We gave Bangwe an early Christmas gift but I cannot repeat what the linesman said to me,” he said.
In another match, Karonga United beat Ekwendeni Hammers 4-1.
Ellie Kayombo gave Karonga the lead before Allen Chihana cushioned it.
Mwiso Youngson scored a second-half brace to take the match beyond Ekwendeni, who got their face-saver through Brian Phiri.
Bottom-placed Extreme FC shocked Mafco 2-1.
Innocent Chipolopolo and Francis Black scored for Extreme while Peter Katsonga was on target for Mafco.
