…..Silver 1-0 Wanderers
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(Maravipost)-Mark Harrison, the head coach of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC, expressed concern about the tightening title race, stating that they may now rely on defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC to drop points in their matches.
This came after the Nomads suffered another 1-0 defeat against the host Silver Strikers FC.
Harrison shared his thoughts in a post-match interview at the Bingu National Stadium on October 16, 2023.
“We conceded that unfortunate goal in the dying minutes, similar to last week. Our two center-backs failed to communicate well. Today, we had several opportunities to score, with Nyangulu and Chaziya missing headers by a whisker,” Harrison lamented.
“The competition for the title is indeed intensifying. We must win games; otherwise, we will have to rely on Bullets dropping points in their matches. Despite having talented forwards and creating chances, we are struggling to find the back of the net,” he added.
Silver Strikers’ Chimwemwe Idana secured the victory with an 83rd-minute goal after a setup by veteran Atusaye Nyond.
He released a thunderous shot that beat goalkeeper William Thole, who had been busy throughout the match.
Despite the defeat, Mighty Wanderers FC is still on top of the summit of the table with 47 points from 25 games, maintaining a 3-point lead over second-placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC, who have 44 points from 21 games.
Pieter De Jongh’s Central Bankers moved up to the third position from fourth with 43 points, level with Chitipa United FC, who drew 2-2 at Karonga Stadium against Blue Eagles FC.
Silver Strikers hold the advantage with a better goal difference of 17, compared to Chitipa’s 7.
Head coach Pieter De Jongh was pleased with the win and commended his players for executing the game plan. He did express some frustration with the frequent fixture changes.
“We played very well and we were a better team. First half we created a clear chance and in the second half, we also created numerous chances but managed to score one goal. The league is essentially over, but I am not happy with how the fixtures keep changing.”
Chimwemwe Idana of Silver Strikers FC was named the Farmers Organization Limited player of the match. The intense match saw three cards issued, including a red card for Silver Strikers FC head coach Pieter De Jongh. Chikondi Kamanga and Mphatso Kamanga, representing Silver and Wanderers, received yellow cards for different offenses.
Reviewing their recent performance, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC managed to win five of their nine past games, including victories against Extreme FC, Blue Eagles FC, Karonga United FC, MAFCO FC, and Ekwendeni Hammers FC. They drew three games with Moyale Barracks FC, Kamuzu Barracks FC, and Chitipa United FC.
In other results from the TNM Superleague on Saturday, the relegation-bound Civil Service United FC held Red Lions FC to a goalless draw at home, while Chitipa United FC and Blue Eagles FC shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
The battle for the points continues tomorrow as the defending Champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC returns to Rumphi Stadium to lock horns with Moyale Barracks FC who drew 1-1 against Dedza Dynamos FC days ago.