Blue Eagles held, Silver go top

A brace from Binwel Katinji and a lone strike by Sam Gunda saw Silver Strikers defeat Moyale Barracks 3-1 in the Super League on Saturday afternoon to dislodge Blue Eagles at the top of the standings with 23 points from 11 games.

The hosts were coming from a disappointing goalless draw with Kamuzu Barracks last week and showed statement of intent as Victor Limbani saw his shot well saved by Juma Chikwenga.

Minutes later, Khuda Muyawa almost gave his side a lead but Silver’s shot stopper made a stunning save to frustrate the visitors.

However, the Bankers scored when Limbani received a wonderful pass from Thuso Paipi who made a good run down the left flank and beat Moyale’s defence before laying it up to Katinji to finish, 1-0.

The visitors looked disjointed in defence and Lovemore Fazili’s men had a good chance to double their lead when Lucky Malata turned defence into attack, but his delayed pass to Katinji couldn’t go through as it was intercepted by Lovemore Mitengo.

It was 1-0 at half time and the second stanza saw the Bankers coming back guns blazing, with Paipi taking a good shot, only to see it going over the target. In the 63rd minute, the combination between Mitengo and Muyawa almost caused havoc in Silver’s defence when Brighton Munthali made a save between the two sticks.

Minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead through Katinji again.

A combination between Limbani and Mark Fodya paid dividends as they released Katinji who made no mistake by putting the ball into the back of the net, 2-0.

Despite conceding two goals, the visitors were calm and composed as they tried to reduce the arrears no wonder Munthali was forced to make a save when Moyale Barracks pressurized.

The Mzuzu based Soldiers got one back with some minutes to play and were praying with intent but lacked finishing composure in front of goals to put the game on level.

The Central Bankers were leaving dangerously as Lloyd Njaliwa had his shot well saved by the hosts’ goalie.

But with 2 minutes to go, Silver nailed the game from the spot through Gunda following a foul on Limbani, 3-1.

The Soldiers tried their level best to try to snatch something from the game but the area 47 giants stood firm to collect maximum points and dislodged Blue Eagles at the top of the summit.

At Nankhaka Stadium, Blue Eagles and Mzuni FC played to a 1-all draw in a match where the rookies dominated but were very unfortunate to concede in the last stages of the match.

The result sees Eagles dropping to second on the log with 22 points from 10 games, a point behind Silver Strikers.

The top flight action continues on Sunday with interesting fixtures.

At Chitowe Stadium, Dwangwa United will play host to Mzuni FC, with EPAC FC hosting Moyale Barracks at Civo Stadium.

At Mzuzu Stadium, rookies Karonga United will host defending league champions Big Bullets whilst Azam Tigers will rock horns with Wizards FC at Kamuzu Stadium.