Victory for Red Lions as Silver, Blue Eagles stumble

Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles both missed the opportunity to dislodge Mafco FC from the top of the summit after dropping two points each in their Super League games on Sunday afternoon.

The Central Bankers surrendered a 1-nil lead to draw with Azam Tigers while Blue Eagles did the same when they failed to beat struggling Max Bullets at their own backyard.

Silver’s Tizgowere Kumwenda scored in the 70th minute before a 74th minute equalizer from Bright Munthali to ensure the spoils were shared at Kamuzu Stadium.

It was an entertaining first half, with both sides playing attacking football but their front men lacked the finishing composure in front of goals and it was goalless at half time.

Come into the second half, Binwell Katinji and Kumwenda were looking sharp for the Central Bankers who were pressing harder in search for the opening goal but Peter Cholopi in defence for the home team was too stubborn.

However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute through Kumwenda who made a cool finish to arouse all Bankers faithful.

Four minutes later, it was 1-1. Munthali scored from a rebound following a defensive relapse from Silver Strikers backline, allowing the former to put the ball into the back of the net, 1-1.

Tigers almost collected all the points in the dying minutes when Munthali’s header was cleared by Lucky Malata before Dave Balaka’s free kick came off the post. After 90 minutes of play, it ended 1-1.

The result takes Silver Strikers second on the log with 37 points but they have a game in hand to play.

At Nankhaka Stadium, Sparrow Msowoya cancelled out a Charles Ngosi’s first half strike to salvage a point for the struggling side.

That means Eagles are still searching for their first victory in the second round, having seen all of their opening matches ending in draws.

The latest draw leaves the Area 30 based side on 4th position with 36 points from 19 games.

As for the visitors, they are still stuck at the bottom of the standings with 8 points from 20 games.

In other results, Karonga United and Wizards FC drew 1-1 while Loti Chawinga scored the only goal to inspire Red Lions to a hard fought 1-nil victory over Dwangwa United to move up to 11th on the standings.