Silver Strikers extended their lead in the league after a 1-1 draw against Moyale Barracks on Saturday afternoon at Silver Stadium, securing a 7-point advantage at the top despite dropping points at home.
Moyale Barracks took the lead at 23 minutes through Emmanuel Allan, thanks to a beautiful pass from Khumbo Mhone.
Silver, yet to taste defeat in the current campaign, responded seven minutes later through Zebron Kalima, forcing the teams to share spoils.
Despite several attacking changes, including Chimwemwe Idana’s introduction in the 28th minute, and MacDonald Lameck and Friday Osagie coming on at halftime, Silver Strikers couldn’t break the deadlock again.
Moyale Barracks, too, made key substitutions, including Innocent Botoman and Luke Chima, which helped them secure a valuable point away from home.
After the final whistle, Silver Strikers’ Head Coach Peter Mponda was visibly disappointed, saying: “It’s a frustrating result. We dominated, created chances, but couldn’t finish. Dropping two points at home is tough, especially when we could have won.”
Moyale Barracks’ Head Coach Prichard Mwansa, on the other hand, was pleased with his team’s resilience:
“We came here to fight, and the boys showed great character. A point against the league leaders, away from home, is a good result for us. Silver is a strong team, but we managed to hold our own,” said Mwansa.
Silver Strikers remains top of the table with 45 points from 19 games seconded by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who have 38 points from the same number of games.
Moyale Barracks has moved one step up from position 7 displacing Civil Service United with 28 points from 20 games played.
At Dedza Stadium, PremierBet Dedza Dynamos were held to a 1-1 draw by Creck Sporting Club.
The visitors took the lead in the 70th minute through Vincent Nyangulu, but Dedza responded quickly, with Gift Magola equalizing five minutes later.
Dedza Dynamos’ coach Andrew Bunya expressed his dissatisfaction with the result.
“We should have sealed the game in the first half. We created several chances, but our finishing let us down. The second half was more balanced, but we must do better in front of goal,” said Bunya.
Creck Sporting Club coach McDonald Mtetemera was content with his team’s fighting spirit, especially after being under pressure in the first half.
“It was a tough game, but credit to the boys for staying focused. We struggled early on but regrouped well in the second half. A point away from home is positive, but we aim to improve further,” he said.
In another match, Mzuzu City Hammers suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Karonga United, with the only goal coming in the first half from Raphael Nkhoma at 38 minutes.
The match was closely contested, but Karonga’s defense stood firm to preserve their slender lead.
Mzuzu City Hammers coach Kondwa Mwamlima Ikwanga admitted his team’s defensive errors cost them the game.
“Once again, individual mistakes hurt us. We conceded a sloppy goal and couldn’t recover. We need to work on our concentration and decision-making at the back,” he said.
Karonga United coach Team Manager Oscar Kaunda was delighted with his team’s victory.
“I’m proud of the boys. It wasn’t an easy game, but we defended well and took our chance when it came. Every point matters at this stage, and to win away is fantastic,” he said.
The TNM Super League action continues Sunday with FOMO FC hosting Mighty Tigers at Mulanje Park.
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Midweek games will see Mighty Mukuru Wanderers face bottom-placed Baka City on Wednesday, Civil Service United welcome Mafco at Civo Stadium, and defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will take on Bangwe All Stars on Thursday at Kamuzu Stadium whilst Kamuzu Barracks welcomes Chitipa United at Civo stadium..
