Silver break Mponela’s resilience
Ten-man Silver Strikers contained an unwavering onslaught from resilient Mponela United to win 2-0 in a thrilling TNM Super League mid-week fixture yesterday in Area 47.
Mponela could have buried Silver in the first-half had they utilised the four clear chances they created.
The Dowa-based side’s forward Mude Jeffery hit the woodwork twice in the 42nd and 44th minutes to the relief of Silver fans.
Captain Malumbo Phiri and Jack Chiona had their efforts thwarted by an agile Charles Swini in goals for Silver.
The darkest moment of the match came when Silver captain Lucky Malata stepped on the leg of Mponela’s Frank Kawalo. Many spactators, including Silver fans, expressed disgust and appealed to the referee to evoke marching orders which he did.
The second half started with the two sides tied 0-0, but Silver caretaker coach Stain Chirwa changed tactics and started using the central midfielders instead of wingers. This visibly disturbed Mponela and they lost possession.
The first goal came in the 50th minute. Frank Banda flicked into the net from a long dipping Ndaziona Chatsalira free kick.
Mponela countered, but Chiona could not compose himself to shoot past a stretched Swini after all Silver defenders were beaten.
Silver continued their passing game which deflated the Dowa side.
Rodrick Gonani, who has just been pardoned by Silver executive committee, justified his inclusion by scoring the wining goal with just a minute before the end of the match.
Mponela defender Levi Chande failed to clear a long throw-in from Wonderful Jelemani and the ball landed in the path of Gonani who just pushed it into the net with goalkeeper Chakonda Maganga’s sight blocked by his own defenders.
“We messed up so many chances and eventually it cost us the game. In the second-half fatigue caught up with us,” said Mponela coach Benjamin Kumwenda.
Silver’s Chirwa said the win was a morale booster to the club.
“With all that was happening at the club, it is great that we won today. Now we can have self-belief to play to our potential. I give credit to the players for giving their all today,” said Chirwa.
