TNM Super League reigning champions Silver Striker on Sunday started their title defence with a 1-0 win over rivals Civo United in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe while rivals Big Bullets beat Blantyre United 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.
It was a sad start for Thom Mkolongo who has just been given a new contract at Civo.
The derby did not live up to its expectation as the encounter was played in a half-empty stadium.
Conspicuously missing in the Civo line-up, however, were defender Pilirani Makupe and strikers Martin Masoatheka and Lazarous Chirwa.
Dave Moya’s goal from a well taken free-kick 30 minutes into the game was the separating factor.
Despite the dominance, the pairing of Jabulani Linje and John Chizuze in attack did not translate into goals for Civo.
Silver, however, had three chances that could have translated into goals had striker Green Harawa been clinical.
“It was a tough game and they were really good, but God gave us the victory,” said a relieved Ndawa after the match.
Mkolongo admitted that his team needs serious changes in attack.
Meanwhile, striker Lawson Chilewe who disappeared from Blantryre United last season resurfaced Sunday and handed his former side a miserable 2013/14 TNM Super League start.
Chilewe‘s double and Gabadinho Mhango’s second-half goal earned Big Bullets a 3-0 thumping of United at an overflowing Kamuzu Stadium.
With Chilewe seemingly lifting the pressure off the overworked Gabadinho, it seems Bullets have now a clue of how to beat a stubborn Elia Kananji side. Bullets coach Eddington Ng’onamo agreed.
“I believe we lost [the] title last season due to Blantyre United. We drew with them twice. This start can prove decisive in our title dream. Fischer Kondowe was outstanding and Lawson’s finishing was clinical,” said Ng’onamo in post match interview.
That Bullets won the game was largely due to what Kananji attributed to his boys’ attitude problem. United were on top of Bullets the entire game, passing the ball as if their opponents were non-existent on the pitch. But as usual United could not translate their dominance into goals.
In other games yesterday, Azam Tigers beat Mafco 2-0 through goals from Chimwemwe Nyakamera and Stern Pendame. Elsewhere, on their Super League debut, Evirom drew 0-0 with Epac FC.
