Silver Strikers held by Wizards

Silver Strikers’ hopes of securing the 2016 TNM Super League have been dented following a 0-0 draw against PremierBet Wizards.

Mpira ground at Chiwembe technical centre in Blantyre was the epicentre of the game between Silver Strikers and the Chilomoni based boys on Sunday afternoon.

The game was first scheduled at MDC stadium on Saturday but due to heavy rains, it was postponed to Sunday at Chiwembe ground.

The central bankers began with a strong starting eleven of Brighton Munthali, Mike Ntonyo, Mike Robert, Chisomo Mpachika, Thoko Stambuli, Duncan Nyoni, Levison Maganizo, Timothy Chitedze, Thuso Paipi, Blessings Tembo and Green Harawa.

Mponda’s side started with Francis Mkanda in between two bars, Trevor Kalema, Chembezi Denis, Blessings Joseph, Keston Kasonda, Damiano Kunje, Simeon Singa, Blessings Phiri, Peter Msowoya, Hendrix Misinde and Kondwani Majoni.

It was a match of equal opportunities for both sides as the Bankers who were the visitors, visited the danger zone of Wizards through Tembo and Harawa but Wizards defended well.

The first half of the game ended 0-0.

The second half was worthy for goals as more clear chances were missed by the attacking forces of the two teams.

Silver could have opened the scoring when Wizards keeper Mkanda let a Tembo shot slip from his hands though the keeper reacted quickest to recover the ball.

Minutes later, the central region based side made three changes, introducing Tizgobere Kumwenda, Clement Trouta and Kondwani Mwayira while releasing Thuso Paipi, Green Harawa and Levison Maganizo.

Wizards also made changes, introducing Patrick Phiri and Phillip Chirwa while subbing Majoni and Singa respectively.

The dying minutes of the second half were tight as all the teams strived to get the maximum points. But neither side found the back of the net and the game ended 0-0.

Speaking with the media after the match, Wizards’ technical director Peter Mponda said the boys tried their best to win the game and described the result as fair.

He further said he wanted three points most for they are fighting relegation.

“We are happy with a point than none, Silver wanted to get three points most and we too, but this is a game of football, we are all frustrated, but all in all we are satisfied with the result, we are happy the way we are going,” Mponda explained.

On his side, coach for the Bankers Lovemore Fazili commended Wizards for the good play. He described the match as a tight game with few chances but he criticized his boys for lacking composure in front of goal.

The result means Wizards are now having 26 points from 25 games and are on position 13 while the Reserve Bank sponsored team are five points away from the league leaders as they are having 44 from 25 games and are on position five.