Bankers edge Civo to win LL High 4 bonanza
TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers this afternoon proved beyond any reasonable doubt that they are the country’s soccer kings when they edged their city rivals Civil Service United (Civo) 1-0 to win the Lilongwe High Four Soccer Bonanza.
Featuring six of their new recruits from the lower leagues on their starting line-up, the bankers never showed signs of inferiority against the servants, who had most of their regulars on call.
The first half ended goal-less and Silver’s stand in captain Sam Gunda made the difference six minutes after resumption when he scored straight from a free kick, beating former Mponela United goalkeeper Chakonda Majanga in between Civo’s goal posts.
Civo coach Oscar Kaunda made a double substitution, resting Lyton Kapunda and Vincent Nyangulu for experienced Gerald Nkungula and new signing Yusuf Piyano but the move did not pay any dividends.
Speaking after the game, Silver coach Stain Chirwa lavished praise on the new recruits whom he said blended well with the old guards.
“I am so impressed with the new players. If they maintain their performance, we will definitely incorporate them into the main team,” said Chirwa.
Kaunda said he was also building a new team and from what he has seen the future looks positive. “We were also trying some new players and I am happy with the way the new players have performed. If we play three or four more friendly games, we will be ready for the new season,” said Kaunda.
In the third-place play-off, Kamuzu Barracks thrashed Epac FC 3-1 with their goals coming from Julius Nkwinja, who had a brace and Kelvin Hanganda.
Hasley Aziz claimed Epac’s face saver in the second half.
