League leaders Eagles, 2nd-placed Silver face-off
TNM Super League leaders Blue Eagles and second-placed Silver Strikers face-off at Nankhaka ground this afternoon in a potentially explosive encounter.
Eagles have amassed 34 points from 17 games while the Bankers, who have a game in hand, have 32 points.
This means a win or draw for Eagles will see them maintain the top spot. As for Silver, a win will see them leap-frog the Malawi Police Service (MPS) outfit.
Since the 2014 season, the two sides have met nine times in all competitions with each team winning three games. The other three matches ended in stalemate.
Nevertheless, Silver coach Lovemore Fazili said they have an edge over the Area-30 cops as they ended Eagles’ unbeaten run in the first round with a 2-1 victory.
“Moreover, we are determined to overcome whatever challenges we might face to pluck a win against Eagles because it is such a triumph that might determine the league champions at the end of this season,” said Fazili.
With all key players declared fit for the encounter, Fazili’s hopes for a win cannot be ruled out.
They will bank their hopes on captain Lucky Malata, midfielders Duncan Nyoni, Levison Maganizo, Victor ‘Vibre’ Limbani and Thuso Paipi with Binwell Katinji and Mathews Sibale pulling the strings upfront.
Nevertheless, Eagles are like wounded buffaloes having dropped points in their last two second-round games following goalless draws against Epac FC and Mzuzu University (Mzuni).
“The two second-round draws were a bad patch on our title campaign and we need a win to get back on track. This is why we have left no stone unturned to get a victory against Silver this weekend,” said Eagles team manager Gabriel Chirwa.
According to Chirwa, their players are ready to work diligently to restore their pride.
Maxwell Salambula, Victor Nyirenda, Gilbert Chirwa and John Malidadi Jnr carry Eagles’ hopes.
In another match that has a big impact on the log table, defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets take on hosts Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium. Bullets are third with 31 points from 17 games but a win will take them to second place.
In other fixtures this afternoon, Be Forward Wanderers host Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre as Dwangwa United will host Epac at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota. Civo United will also be at home against Red Lions. n
