….Kawinga 1-0 Silver Reserve
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(Maravipost)-The battle for a spot in Malawi’s elite league within the Central Region Football Association (CRFA) Chipiku league intensifies as only four games have been played by each team in the final round so far.
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, Arnold Sun Kiyama’s late penalty kick at Kamuzu Barracks ground propelled Kawinga FC to the top of the league, displacing Silver Strikers Reserve FC, who held an early lead in the table during the first and second weeks.
In a thrilling encounter, Silver Strikers Reserve FC began strongly, pressing the home side, although they failed to capitalize on the chances they created, as Kawinga’s defense appeared solid.
The match, however, remained a goalless draw at halftime, despite the young Bankers dominating in terms of ball possession and chance creation.
The second half saw a balanced match as Kawinga started to apply more pressure, but their forwards lacked the magic and composure needed to convert created chances into goals.
With just 15 minutes left in the game, Kawinga FC’s head coach, Harry Saidi, introduced fresh legs, replacing two midfielders with forwards to increase the pressure on the visitors.
These changes paid off as Kawinga FC launched waves of attacks, but Rahim Mtondela and Awali failed to convert their chances. On the other hand, Mose Nyirenda, Lasuli Jali, and Kalua missed opportunities for Silver Strikers Reserve FC.
In injury time, Kawinga FC was awarded a penalty after Andrew Nkhalika and Wisdom Jere failed to clear the ball from the danger zone and ended up handling it.
Arnold Kiyama calmly converted the penalty, and shortly after, the match concluded.
Reacting to the defeat, Silver Strikers Reserve coach McDonald Yobe said it was a tough and fascinating game, although his side missed several chances.
“We played well, created numerous chances, but couldn’t convert them into goals.
“However, that’s part of the game. We need to regroup and aim for a better result in our next match,” Yobe stated.
Kawinga FC’s head coach, Harry Said, acknowledged that it was a tough match against a strong side in Silver Strikers Reserve and admitted that they failed to capitalize on their first-half chances.
“This is a crucial stage where teams have prepared for a tough battle, so goals aren’t coming as easily as expected.
“However, we will work on our striking force to start scoring more goals,” Saidi said.
Kawinga FC now tops the table with 10 points from 4 games, having won 3 games and drawn 1.
Silver Strikers Reserve FC sits in second place with 9 points, while St. Gabriel Zitha FC occupies the third position with 6 points, level with Support Battalion, who are fourth, separated by goal difference.
Kawinga FC’s next assignment is against Mangoni Warriors FC at Dedza Stadium on Saturday, September 30, while the Young Central Bankers will host St. Gabriel Zitha at Bunda ground.
In other midweek results, Airborne Rangers FC defeated Support Battalion FC 3-2 in a battle of the soldiers, St. Gabriel Zitha drew 0-0 against Mbabvi United FC, while LUANAR FC defeated Villa FC 2-0 on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Leyman Panthers FC shared a 1-1 draw with Kamuzu Barracks RSV FC, while Ngolowindo FC emerged as 3-0 winners over Mangoni Warriors FC.
