SILVER EDGES MAFCO 1-0
By Twimpeoki Mangani – Mana
Silver Strikers Coach, Pieter De Jongh has expressed satisfaction with the number of creative chances his team has been producing in the 2023 TNM Super League as they top the log table with 21points.
He made the sentiments at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday after Silver Strikers edged Mafco FC 1-0 to maintain their unbeaten run in the Super League.
The Bankers played their best football in the first half which resulted to the only goal of the game.
In the 22nd minute, a Nickson Mwase clearance was poorly headed by Mafco defender, Paul Ndhlovu enabling Stenie Davie to capitalize and slot in a pass to Chimwemwe Idana who’s left footed shot beat goal keeper, Blessings Kameza.
In a post-match interview, Jongh said the team was well composed during first 45 minutes and hailed youth development within the club as evidenced from Adiel Kaduya’s play shortly witnessed in the second half.
“In the First half we had high level good football, we created a lot of chances and scored one goal but we could have scored even three goals. I am not concerned with not scoring more goals because we create a lot of chances in every game we play,” he said.
Coach for Mafco, Prichard Mwanza attributed the first half lackluster performance to tactical imbalance and remains hopeful the right adjustments would be made.
“It was a good game, we struggled in the first half because we lost shape and our touch, and eventually they scored. In the second half we tried to create chances but we were not successful therefore we have to move on and prepare for the next game,” he said.
Strikers made one change to the side that defeated Kamuzu Barracks 1-0 last week at Civo Stadium, dropping Chinsinsi Maonga and starting Mark Fodya while Mafco made a change from the win over Moyale at Chitowe Stadium bringing on Mphatso Phillimon for Tonny Mbulu.
The last action in the first half was a regular highlight as mid-field maestro and man of the match on the day Tatenda M’balaka’s grass cutting pass found Idana who crossed the ball only to have Davie’s effort smash the wood work.
Mafco had a better second half and produced their best chance in additional time as Dan Chimaimba’s effort hit the cross bar with Zikani Sichinga squandering the rebound over the goal post.
The result leaves Mafco on position 10 with 11 points from 3 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses.
