TNM Super League leaders Silver Strikers’ unbeaten run will come under intense scrutiny when they face Karonga United at Karonga Stadium this afternoon.
The Central Bankers head into the second round with a good record as the only unbeaten side this far. Again, they have a 9-point cushion at the summit of the 16-member log table heading into the final lap as they have 37 points from 15 matches whereas second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have 28 points.
In the first round, Silver won 11 matches and drew four against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos, Mighty Tigers, Moyale Barracks and Kamuzu Barracks.
Last season, Silver collected four points from Karonga, having beaten them 4-0 in the first round at Silver Stadium before a goal-less stalemate in the second round.
This season, Silver beat Karonga 4-0 in the first round at Silver Stadium.
Karonga Coach Oscar Kaunda believes his charges have what it takes to stop Silver’s impressive run this season.
“The approach is the same, as we will play to win the match. We lost the first round match in a painful way. This is payback time,” Kaunda said.
Both Karonga and Silver have beefed their squads during the mid-season transfer window.
The hosts have roped in Neverson Nevadoh Nkhoma from Iponga and Ernest Jamima Mwenitete from Chicago FC.
On a good day, Karonga can crush any force in domestic football. They beat defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets 2-1 at the same venue.
Hitman Blessings Mwalilino and Nanisoni Mbewe are potential match winners for the hosts.
On the part of Silver, they have signed Friday Osagie and Levison Maganizo, who returned to the club.
Silver Coach Peter Mponda is cautious ahead of the clash.
“We keep working the same way we did in the first round. We have made good progress and we have a cushion. If we may fall down, other teams chasing us still have a lot to do,’’ Mponda said after the last match of the first round.
Silver will be without Gift Chunga and Tatenda M’balaka due to injuries.
Elsewhere, Wanderers will face Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium. The Nomads will be looking for revenge against the Hammers after they lost 2-0 in the first round.
Civil Service United will host Chitipa United at Civo Stadium whereas Bangwe All Stars will meet Dedza at Balaka Stadium.
On Sunday, Bullets will host Moyale Barracks whereas Fomo will meet Mafco at Mulanje Park Stadium.
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