……Silver 4-1 Mbabzi
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Silver Strikers Reserve FC continues to chase for their maiden Central region Chipiku Premier Division league championship after opening a seven points gap on the ladder following their 4-1 victory over Mbabzi United FC on Sunday, October 29, 2023.
The Young Bankers came from one goal down to claim a 4-1 win over Mbabzi United FC in a thrilling match played at Bunda ground.
Mbabzi United FC who enjoyed the proceedings of the first half scored through Owen Sibale in the 34th minute before the host equalized in the 38th minute from Lifton Gunde’s beautiful header originating from Aaron Namacha’s cross.
The first half ended with the scoreline at par 1-1.
To bring themselves into the game the area 47-based outfit scored an early goal a minute into the second half through their man of the moment Ebenezer Mpangeni and Namacha was again the architect.
The goal gave McDonald Yobe’s boys confidence and courage hence hyped their game controlling the match in the 75th minute Aaron Namacha provided another assist to Francis Jackson who cleverly scored the third goal.
White Robben who came in as a substitute scored towards the end of the game to put it far from reach by Mbabvi United from Ebenezer Mpangeni’s assist.
Speaking after the match Silver Reserve coach McDonald Yobe hailed his boys for the win while acknowledging the match was tough especially in the first half attributing it to the bad condition of the pitch.
“The first half was tough for us as we conceded a goal but credit to the boys as they returned into the game and their response was awesome. The pitch is too bumpy and we failed to play our game, we changed our tactical approach to win”, Yobe said.
Mbabzi United FC coach Vincent Malizani acknowledged the defeat saying they failed to come to the party in the second half.
“We failed to play in the second half, our goalkeeping left a lot to be desired hence conceding those three goals. It seems our players are now crippled with fatigue as they are playing many games per week”, Malizani said.
Silver Strikers Reserve FC remains with Support Battalion FC encounter to wrap up the first round of the 12 teams in the league. With the win, Bankers have opened a 7-point gap on the ladder.
From 10 games they have played so far, Silver have amassed 25 points having won 8, drew 1 and lost 1, scoring 18, and conceded 6 making a goal difference of 12.
Other results in the league on Sunday 29th October 2023, Ngolowindo FC lost 2-0 to Leyman Panthers FC as they arrived late at their own home Salima, as Kamuzu Barracks RSV FC also donated points to Villa FC as they failed to show up.
Support Battalion FC talisman Blessings Gwanzantini banged a brace against Mangoni Warriors FC to secure maximum points for the Mvera-based soldiers.
Kawinga FC tormented LUANAR FC 3-0 at home Mbabzi United with goals from Frank Phiri, Yasin Chida, and Harvey Nasiyaya.
St.Gabriel Zitha FC who have played 8 games are second on the table with 18 points tied with third and fourth-placed Kawinga FC and Support Battalion FC who have played 9 games each.
The Flying Lions Airborne Rangers FC occupies position 5 with 17 points tied with Mbabzi United FC who are 6th after playing 10 games.
The first round of 12 teams is expected to conclude this week starting with midweek fixtures as follows;
Mbabzi United FC Vs Support Battalion FC @KB ground, Airborne Rangers FC vs Ngolowindo FC, and Mangoni Warriors FC vs Villa FC.
Sunday 5th November 2023; Airborne Rangers FC vs St.Gabriel Zitha FC at Fikiza ground, Kamuzu Barracks RSV FC vs Mangoni Warriors FC while LUANAR host Leyman Panthers FC at KB ground.
Wednesday 8th November 2023; Support Battalion FC vs Silver Strikers Reserve FC at Fikiza ground, St.Gabriel Zitha FC Vs Kawinga FC at KB ground, and the last match of the stage will be played on 11th November 2023 involving Ngolowindo FC and St.Gabriel Zitha FC.
