Wins for Silver Strikers, Karonga United as Civo continue to struggle

Mike Robert and Victor Limbani scored in each half to inspire Silver Strikers to a 2-1 hard fought victory over ten man Mzuni FC in a league match played on Saturday at Silver Stadium.

The result moved the bankers to second in the standings.

Both teams were coming from disappointing draws last week but it was the home side that showed anger as they pressed harder in the opening minutes in search for the much needed goals.

The Bankers started the game on the front foot, putting Mzuni’ defence under immediate pressure with a number of early chances but Rabson Chiyenda in goals for the visitors was very outstanding.

The hosts continued their dominance, with Limbani looking lively in the midfield, yet Duncan Nyoni blew his side’s closest chance, blasting well wide after finding space on the right-hand side of the area.

However, the hosts got their lead through Mike Robert who capitalized well from a defensive relapse by the visitors, 1-0.

In the second half, the hosts suffered a massive blow when shot stopper Brighton Munthali was stretchered off, allowing Blessing Kameza to come in for the injured goalkeeper.

Thuso Paipi was introduced in the latter stages as the Bankers continued their pursuit of second three points in the second round.

Mzuni were reduced to ten men when referee of the day gave a red card to captain Victor Gondwe for unsporting behavior.

Despite being one man down, Mzuni’s Luwindiko Nhlane almost pulled level but his connection missed the goal mouth with an inch.

Minutes later, Hudson Milanzi blasted his effort wide from an unbelievable circumstance after he was released to the right flank by Nhlane.

However, the Bankers nailed it by scoring their second goal from a free kick by Limbani following a foul on Binwell Katinji just outside the penalty box, 2-0.

The visitors managed to score a consolation goal as they tried to force a draw but the Area 47 giants stood firm to collect maximum points and move up to second with 37 points from 18 matches.

As for Mzuni, their bad start to the second round continues as they have now played three games without registering a win.

At Mzuzu Stadium, Nangaunozge Luhanga scored the only goal as Karonga United bounced back from last week’s humiliating defeats to Mighty Wanderers and Azam Tigers respectively to beat struggling Civo Service United.

The visitors had a penalty miss just before the final whistle to continue struggling in the top flight as they have now gone four games without a win under caretaker coach Charles Manda.

The action continues on Sunday in all the three regions of the country.

At Chitowe Stadium, unpredictable Dwangwa United take on Wanderers while Moyale Barracks will play host to Civo Service United at Mzuzu Stadium.

In other Sunday fixtures, Kamuzu Barracks will host Wizards FC at Civo Stadium while Azam Tigers will entertain Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium.

Mafco lead the standings with 37 points from 19 games.