The unbeaten run to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the Airtel Top 8 continued on Saturday night as Silver Strikers beat the Lali Lubani based outfit 0-1 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Since its inception in 2017, Silver Strikers has never lost an Airtel Top 8 match against the Nomads.
On Saturday, it only took 8 minutes for Binwell Katinji to slot home what ended up being a winner to qualify for this year’s final Katinji, tapped in a misplaced pass by Wanderers’ defence.
After the goal, the tempo of the game rose as the hosts tried to return into the match. At 36 minutes, Uchizi Vunga was substituted for Patrick Macheso.
The Central Bankers took the lead to half time. At half time, Zebron Kalima was rested for Gift Chunga.
Come second half, the Area 47 side looked to replicate their first half exploits of getting a quick goal after Katinji and Chunga made some beautiful quick passes going forward but the effort did not materialise.
Five minutes later, Chunga failed to kill off the game when his last touch frustrated a good exchange of passes between Chikondi Kamanga and Macheso.
Katinji came close to getting a brace after Idana made a good run and pass but Katinji missed the target.
At 70 minutes, Chinsisi Maonga curled in a free from the edge of the box but Richard Chipuwa came to the rescue. Six minutes later, Nickson Mwase got his matching orders after a reckless foul on Wisdom Mpinganjira.
In response, Patrick Macheso was taken out and in his place Levison Maganizo was introduced.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers tried thick and thin to equalise but to no avail.
In post match interview, head coach Peter Mponda said it was a tough game but said his side missed a lot of chances.
“It was a tough match but we had an exciting game as we created a lot of scoring opportunities but couldn’t turn them into goals. We are happy to have proceeded to the final and we will look forward to seeing how it ends”, said Mponda.
Silver Strikers will face whoever wins on Sunday between Kamuzu Barracks and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
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