Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are familiar foes in domestic football, and this afternoon they renew their rivalry when they face-off in a TNM Super League match at Silver Stadium.
This is the biggest game of the weekend and it comes just two weeks after the two teams met in the Airtel Top 8 final which Bullets triumphed 1-0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Silver, the only undefeated side in the league this far, go into the match four points clear at the summit of the log table, and with a victory against Bullets this afternoon, they could make a big statement of their title winning credentials.
Furthermore, this afternoon’s match is a perfect opportunity for Silver to open a seven-point gap at the top heading into the final stages of the campaign.
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On the other hand, Bullets look set to be dethroned this season, as they are 13 points behind leaders Silver in the title race with five matches to wind up the season.
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The Central Bankers, who are favourites to their first title in 11 years, lead the 16-member log table with 57 points from 25 matches, four points above second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who have played a game more.
Despite their struggle in the league this season, Bullets have what it takes to get all the points in today’s match.
Bullets will seek to end Silver’s unbeaten run and derail their early party.
Silver stunned Bullets 1-0 with a last gasp winner in the first round at Kamuzu Stadium.
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Looking at the qualities of the two teams, it is always difficult to predict the outcome of the match.
Bullets, who have won the TNM Super League for five consecutive seasons, are yet to collect maximum points in Lilongwe this season.
On the contrary, Silver have turned their home ground into a fortress having only dropped points against Civil Service United and Moyale Barracks this season.
Once again, it is a battle between Kalisto Pasuwa-the Master and his student Peter Mponda.
Straight from 6-1 victory over Mafco, Silver go into the match with renewed hope.
Mponda believes the boys are in high spirits.
“We have a good feeling towards the match. We feel that we will dominate Bullets and create chances but it is a matter how many chances we are going to take,” Mponda said.
Silver have set a new record as they are undefeated in 34 matches with 22 wins and 12 draws since last season. Winger Misheck Selemani is suspended for the clash.
Mponda has all the weapons at his disposal including Chimwemwe Idana, Binwell Katinji, Uchizi Vunga, Zebron Kalima and Nickson Mwase.
Bullets are oozing with confidence after beating Changalume Barracks 5-0 in Castel Challenge Cup round-of-32.
Sounding calm, Pasuwa said his charges need to be tactically good to get points.
“We will try our best to do well in each and every department in order for us to get points. We know it will not come on a silver platter,” Pasuwa said.
Bullets will be without Collins Mujuru, Anthony Mfune and Chrispin Mapemba due to injury.
But Pasuwa will keep faith in Babatunde Adepoju, Wongani Lungu, Ernest Petro, Gomezgani Chirwa, Alick Lungu and Yankho Singo.
In other matches, Moyale Barracks host Kamuzu Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium whereas Mighty Tigers face Chitipa United at Kamuzu Stadium.
