By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe August 7, Mana: Silver Strikes completed the season double over Blue Eagles with a 2-1 win at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday to kick off their second round campaign in the TNM Super League.
Following a 1-0 loss to their city rivals in the first round, Blue Eagles were out looking for a better result and came out playing with an absolute sense of urgency.
Blue Eagles’ Richard Lapson was the first to register successive chances that proved that keeper Pilirani Mapila would have a busy afternoon.
On the other end Silver’s rookie Adiel Kaduya showed early signs of a promising attacking connection with veteran Atusaye Nyondo.
Blue Eagles’s first half was highlighted by the flawless through balls swung forward by Ian Chinyama and McDonald Lameck.
Though Silver Strikers lagged behind in terms of chance creation they made the most of a rare opportunity in the 33rd minute when Chinsisi Maonga scored from Attended M’balaka’s cross.
After finishing the first half with seven chances while Silver had five, Blue Eagles’s sense of urgency was on full display to begin the second period with Blessings Malemia threatening early with a shot attempt following a pass from Lankeni Mwale.
Lapson came closest for Blue Eagles in the 60th minute when his shot from the right flank smashed off the cross bar.
Kaduya continued to pester the Eagles defense and he had his shot saved by goal keeper Chakonda Majanga before substitute Stenie Davie pounced on the rebound to put Silver up by two in the 71st minute.
Blue Eagles found their consolation goal in the 76th minute after Sankhani Mkandawire released a pass from midfield to substitute Christopher Gototo whose effort was punched away by Mapila with Mwale in position for the rebounding goal.
The Blue Eagles players, appealed for a penalty kick after it seemed Moanga had handed the ball in 18-yard box with the referee awarding a free kick which Gototo smashed the post.
Speaking after the match coach of Silver Striker, Pieter De Jong appreciated his team for the concentrated effort and also hailed the match officiation.
“We had control of the game of course but we were unlucky with injuries but non-the less Blue Eagles are a good team,” De Jong said.
Meanwhile coach for Blue Eagles Elia Kananji expressed disdain with the match officiation.
“Silver’s first goal was a clear offside, then we were meant to have a penalty in the second half after a hand ball, the lines man had awarded it but the referee thought otherwise,” Kananji said.
Silver returned top of the log table with 32 points while Blue Eagles sit 13th with 18 points.
