Silver Strikers stretched their unbeaten run on Saturday after a goalless draw against defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets which saw the league leaders opening a 5-point gap at the top of the table.
The result was the third draw at home this season where the Bankers have won 10 of the 13 games they have played at their backyard.
On Saturday, Head Coach Peter Mponda made three changes to the side that played on Wednesday as Misheck Seleman served his suspension while Binwell Katinji and Gift Chunga were rested. In their place, Stanie Davie, Chinsisi Maonga, and Zebron Kalima made the start.
The changes showed dividends from the first whistle as the Central Bankers breathed life into the match when the side created some chances though they lacked a finishing touch.
Both sides played a fantastic match as they shared equal possession and chances. Maonga, Chimwemwe Idana, Chikondi Kamanga, and Uchizi Vunga were a marvel to watch in the midfield as they made sure the Bankers attacked the visitors final third. The game went to recess goalless.
During half-time, Silver Strikers made a double substitution by resting Zebron Kalima and Stanie and throwing into the frey Binwell Katinji, and Gift Chunga.
Play in the second half started very slowly compared to the first half as it proved difficult for both ends to penetrate the other like in the first 45 minutes. At 53 minutes, Idana was taken out and Levison Maganizo was introduced.
Uchizi Vunga came close to breaking the deadlock when he picked up a loose ball from midfield and moved forward where he ended up taking a shot from a distance which was saved by Richard Chimbamba for the visitors to remain in the game. Ten minutes later, Paul Kansungwi was introduced as Maganizo was substituted.
In added minutes the visitors played with ten men after Yankho Singo was given a red card after he got a second yellow card when he fouled Kansungwi.,
After the match, Mponda said his side was looking for maximum points but a point from the match was a fair result.
“We had a good game today as it was a tactical tight match but it has ended goalless which is not bad. We were playing a side that has won the league several times and a side that is defending the championship so I feel we are good with the result. We are now 5 points clear we need to work hard more to win the league”, he said.
Silver Strikers will return to action on Wednesday as the side hosts bottom-placed Baka FC at Silver Stadium.
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