BLANTYRE(MaraviPost)—Silver Strikers conceded a late goal to draw with the age-old rivals Civo United in an entertaining Lilongwe derby played at the Civo Stadium on Saturday.
Silver, who have over the years, been dominating all matches against their city rivals started the game on high note. They put the ball down, outclassing the hosts with Chawanangwa Kawonga, Ndaziwona Chatsalira and Rodrick Gonani looking hungry for goal.
But it was Blessings Tembo who put the Bankers on the lead in the 12th minute.
The goal was a wakeup call for the civil servants and they took control of the proceedings. They came wave after wave in the Bankers’ half but failed to break the defence marshaled by Lucky Malata and Mike Robert.
The first half ended 1-0, with Silver preferring to focus on remaining solid at the back and denying space to their opponents, who bossed possession for large spells but failed to carve open any major chances at Blessings Kameza’s goal.
Civo added an extra gear at the start of the second half and dictated the tempo of the affair but the Bankers still offered an unforgiving defence denying the rivals any chance to take shots. Malata worked well alongside Mike Robert, forming a solid base for the defending champions up against Dan Msimuko and Nelson Kangunje.
Kangunje, deployed in his usual position, was at times Civo’s brightest spark as he looked to pick up the ball and dribble at rival defender Malata, but the state funded side still failed to strike any rhythm in attack.
As everybody thought the game would end in favour of Silver, Civo produced a goal at the dot of full time for a deserved 1-all draw leaving the capital city giants in total disbelief.
Last week Silver also conceded a late equalizer as they were playing against Big Bullets.
The draw has seen both sides maintaining their positions in the standings – Civo are on position 6 while Silver are on position 8.
In other games, Azam Tigers beat Blantyre United 1-0 and Moyale Barracks whacked Karonga United 2-0 to claim second position on the log table of the country’s elite league.
FULL WEEKEND RESULTS
Saturday 20th September, 2014
Mighty Wanderers 0-1 Big Bullets
Epac 1-3 Blue Eagles
Mafco 3-1 Airborne Rangers
Sunday 21st September, 2014
Civo United 1-1 Silver Strikers
Moyale Barracks 2-0 Karonga United
Azam Tigers 1-0 Blantyre United
