Silver Strikers secured Capital City bragging rights over arc rivals Civil Service United on Sunday to set a new unbeaten record of 11 games.
Civil Service United started the Lilongwe derby on a high note as in the first ten minutes they managed to get two shots on target but goalkeeper George Chikooka couldn’t be beaten.
Our first shot on target came after 19 minutes when Duncan Nyoni produced a weak shot from a Paul Kansungwi pass.
After 20 minutes, the Central Bankers started piling more pressure as the team settled well and started playing the Umodzi umodzi style of play which saw Uchizi Vunga, Chimwemwe Idana and Chikondi Kamanga dominating the midfield which was vital in the teams attacking moves thereby winning the midfield battle but couldn’t break the deadlock.
The game went for recess goalless.
At half time, Chinsisi Maonga and Charles Chipala were thrown into the fray replacing Atusaye Nyondo and Duncan Nyoni.
The changes brought dividends three minutes later after Innocent Shema headed home a well curled corner by Uchizi Vunga.
With the goal, Silver Strikers piled more pressure through Chipala’s quick runs. The hosts gave strong resistance as they went on searching for an equalizer.
At 65 minutes, substitute Chipala doubled the lead when midfield maestro Chimwemwe Idana beautifully started a move from midfield to Tatenda M’balaka who quickly curled in a cross that found Chipala in the 18 yard box. Chipala buried the ball in the net.
Mark Fodya was then introduced at 72 minutes replacing Paul Kansungwi. A third substitution was done when McDonald Lameck was rested for Emmanuel Kaunga.
The last substitution came three minutes from time when Patrick Macheso was introduced for Uchizi Vunga.
After regulation time, coach Peter Mponda said his game plan worked well.
“We have had a nice game today against Civil as the boys understood the game plan. We wanted to break the link between their midfield and defense so that we should have a midfield battle which we won from the first whistle. Come second half we knew that our opponents had used a lot of energy in the first half and come second half it was time to kill off the game and it happened. I’m happy winning the derby and we are looking forward to our next game”, said Mponda.
The win extends the Bankers run to 29 points from the 11 games.
Leave a Comment