Pressure on leaders Bullets

Silver Strikers and Be Forward Wanderers on Saturday registered wins in TNM Super League to pile pressure on leaders Nyasa Bullets who face Kamuzu Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this afternoon.

Wanderers, who were eyeing the second position, mercilessly walloped opponents from Malawi Police Service headquarters in Area 30, Lilongwe, 3-0 in a lively match.

Isaac Kaliyati set the mood with his 14th minute goal after heading past Eagles ‘keeper John Soko from SPA Man-of-the-Match Joseph Kamwendo cross.

The Nomads made their intent of getting more goals clear as they made several incursions into Eagles’ area.

But Eagles survived for a while, thanks to John Soko supurb goalkeeping.

But with just five minutes before half-time, Esau Kanyenda doubled the lead,

after he got on the end of Precious Sambani’s cross for the first-half to end 2-0.

At Silver Stadium, the Bankers responded with two goals as well scored in the first-half by striker Zikani Kasambara and midfielder Thuso Paipi.

The Bankers seemed contented with the two goals as the second-half ended without a goal.

But at Kamuzu Stadium, Wanderers continued searching for more goals.

Substitute Francisco Madinga hammered the last nail on Eagles’ coffin with the third goal in the 43rd minute after he was set up by Mischeck Bottoman.

Wanderers team manager Steve Maderia said the 3-0 victory was a good statement in the Nomads’ quest to defend the title.

“This was a solid performance. I don’t remember the last time we scored three goals in a match,” he said.

Eagles coach DeKlerk Msakakuona conceded defeat, saying Wanderers were a better side.

“We will now concentrate on the second game against Azam Tigers at Mulanje Park,” he said.

Silver now have 44 points while Wanderers have 43 points—both from 21 games.

Silver assistant coach Peter Mgangira said the victory lifts the pressure off the technical panel after losing to Mafco in Carlsberg Cup.

He said: “It feels good to be back to winning ways. We just hope we will continue this fine form so that we end up winning the championship.”

The pressure is now on Bullets to win this afternoon match against Kamuzu Barracks to restore their six point gap at the top of the table.

But Bullets assistant coach Elia Kananji said they were taking the game just like any other fixture.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to be under pressure. We are taking each game as it comes,” he said.