Silver Strikers climbed from eighth to fifth in the TNM Super League standings following a convincing 3–1 victory over Karonga United at Silver Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The Central Bankers now sit on 15 points from eight matches, leapfrogging Karonga—who also have 15 points—thanks to a superior goal difference. The loss sees Karonga drop to sixth.
The match had all the makings of a thriller, with Silver Strikers, who were eighth before kickoff, hosting fifth-placed Karonga United. The Bankers came in with a strong home record against Karonga, unbeaten in their last 10 meetings—seven wins and three draws.
Silver took control from the outset, dominating possession and creating early chances. Karonga had a golden opportunity in the 6th minute through Patrick Phiri, but a timely intervention by Innocent Shema kept the score level.
Despite their dominance, Silver had to wait until the 37th minute to break the deadlock. Chinsisi Maonga calmly slotted home after being set up by Emmanuel Allan, giving the hosts a deserved 1–0 lead at halftime.
Karonga responded quickly after the break, levelling the score in the 51st minute via a penalty. Patrick Phiri confidently converted after a handball was called inside the Silver’s box.
But the equaliser only spurred Silver Strikers on. In the 61st minute, Chimwemwe Idana restored the lead with a thunderous 30-meter strike following a clever assist from Festus Duwe. Just two minutes later, Duwe turned scorer, tapping in from close range after a low cross from Macdonald Lameck to make it 3–1.
Karonga made several substitutions in a bid to claw their way back into the game, introducing Nuswe Mwalilino, Saulos Moyo, Zikani Mponda, and Alick Austin. Silver responded by tightening their grip, bringing on attacking reinforcements Zebron Kalima, Lasuli Jali, Stain Davie, and Levison Maganizo to manage the closing stages.
The score remained unchanged until the final whistle, with Silver Strikers securing a crucial win that saw them rise from eighth to fifth—overtaking Karonga United on goal difference.
At Civo Stadium, a brace from Dastain Banda inspired Civil Service United to a comfortable 2-0 win over Creck Sporting Club to move into 13th position with nine points from nine games.
As for Eliya Kananji’s men, they continue sailing through troubled waters as the latest defeat leaves them in 11th position with 11 points from ten games.
At Karonga Stadium, Songwe Border United’s woes continued on Wednesday as they were hammered 4-0 by Chitipa United to remain in the bottom three with just one point from ten games.
Chitipa scored their goals through Rajab Nyirenda, Trouble Kajani, Mabuchi Msiska, and Andrew Joseph.
The win took Chitipa United to 9th position with 12 points from ten games.
