Silver Strikers Coach Peter Mponda has expressed worry over the two-week international break, fearing it might have an impact on his team’s momentum in the title race.
The Central Bankers host Moyale Barracks in the TNM Super League at Silver Stadium this afternoon. They last played a league match when they drew 1-1 against Chitipa United on August 29, 2024.
The former Black Leopards mentor said despite the break, his charges have what it takes to beat Moyale this afternoon.
“The break was too long for us; we are not complaining but it has broken our momentum. But the boys know the task at hand,” Mponda said.
This afternoon’s match provides Silver with a chance to open a nine-point gap at the summit of the 16-member log table.
They lead the table with 44 points from 18 matches, six points above second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who have played a game more.
Silver and Moyale shared the spoils following a goal-less stalemate in the first round at Mzuzu Stadium.
Mponda said his charges cannot afford to drop points at this stage.
“We dropped two points when we met Moyale in Mzuzu. We are playing at home, so it is a must-win match. We know how good they are but they have weaknesses. We believe we have enough quality to capitalise on their weaknesses,” Mponda said.
Silver contributed George Chikooka, Nickson Mwase, Macdonald Lameck, Chimwemwe Idana and Patrick Macheso to Flames final squad in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Burundi and Burkina Faso.
In a similar fixture last season, Silver walloped the Lions of Kaning’ina 4-1 at Bingu National Stadium. But Moyale coach Pritchard Mwansa said it will be a different match.
“We are going there to get maximum points. We know that it will be very tough but we are prepared for the match,” he said.
Moyale did not contribute any player to the Flames squad.
The Lions of Kaning’ina are seventh on the log table with 27 points from 19 matches.
In other matches this afternoon, Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos will host Creck Sporting Club at Dedza Stadium whereas Mzuzu City Hammers will face Karonga United at Mzuzu Stadium.
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