A month after single-handedly ‘ousting’ Silver Strikers from the Presidential Cup while playing for non-leaguers, Complex Madrid, Aiko Maluwa returned to haunt the Bankers again on Saturday.
This time around, it was in a TNM Super League match. Maluwa was in a 10-man Escom United’s colours at Kamuzu Stadium, bullying Silver defenders with runs and a 46th minute goal in a six-goal thriller that ended 3-3.
This meeting of the league’s leaders (Silver) against the tail-enders was not short of drama. In the terraces, some beni dancers entertained fans for free at half-time. Of course, the real entertainment was on the pitch.
Referee Anthony Rafael red-carded Escom goalkeeper Charles Swini for foul language while Escom’s Manase Chiyesa blasted wide a penalty.
Silver’s Ndaziona Chatsalira was the first to be substitute in the game due to injury.
Chiyesa had headed Escom ahead in the 15th minute, doing justice to exciting right-winger Lawrence Milanzi’s cross from the right. Silver’s three-man defence was simply not up to it.
But captain Peter Pindani sneaked in a delightful pass, carving out open Escom defence, leaving notorious Rodrick Gonani clear. Gonani flicked the ball past Escom defender Bashir Maunde and chested the ball before placing it into the net in 20th minute.
Silver did not give up although they were to endure a nervous moment when their new saviour Ndaziona Daisi fouled troublesome Escom’s Noel Mkandawire on the half-hour mark. Chiyesa wasted the opportunity in shooting wide.
Two minutes later, winger Daisi made amends heading in at the far post Pindani’s corner-kick. The drama continued as Mkandawire turned then volleyed the ball into the net from Milanzi’s cross in the 38th minute.
Maluwa restored the lead barely a minute after half-time, firing past Silver ‘keeper Amadu Ali. Substitute Escom custodian Thom Kalavina’s fumble of the ball allowed Daisi to score the equaliser in 78th minute.
Silver assistant coach Hellings Mwakasungula admitted that Escom gave them a good run for their money. The Electricians’ Charles Manda accepted the result.
Before meeting Red Lions Sunday, Silver were still leading on 22 points whereas Escom remained bottom on seven points.
