Mighty Wakawaka Tigers twice came from behind, scoring in added time to halt Silver Strikers’ winning run in the TNM Super League when they played out to a two-all draw at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre Monday
Duncan Nyoni and Nixon Mwase scored for the Central Bankers while Tigers scored through Messiah Kachingwe and Chimwemwe Ibrahim.
The draw means Silver have derailed in their mission to widen the gap at the summit of the log table.
However the Capital City giants are still dominating affairs in the league with 26 points, a seven-point gap against second-placed Kamuzu Barracks on 19 points.
Silver took the lead six minutes into the game when Nyoni pounced on a loose ball after Tigers defence failed to clear Mark Fodya’s corner kick.
The Central Bankers took control of the match and were first on the ball and packed their midfield, giving no room to the youngsters.
Tigers defended in numbers but lacked aggression and physical presence to trouble the visitors until the teams went for recess with Silver on the lead.
On a chilly afternoon before a small crowd, life returned to the match as the teams equalled power.
Bankers’ mentor Peter Mponda was, as usual, a busy man when he spent almost the entire match up on his feet, giving instructions to his boys.
The hard-to-impress coach introduced Paul Kansungwi in the first half before pulling him out.
Substitute Kachingwe lived by his first name Messiah when he scored an equaliser for Tigers in the 53th minute.
Thereafter, Tigers, backed by home support, were a better side and enjoyed possession.
However, Silver restored the lead through Mwase in the 78th minute when he headed into the net from a corner kick.
Just as the Central Bankers were banking on three points gained, Ibrahim had other ideas when he broke their hearts in the added minutes of the match when his shot from a free-kick was too good for goalie George Chikooka.
The goal was rather a reminiscence of what Silver did to FCB Nyasa Bullets when they scored at the dot of 90 minutes to claim a historic win.
Mponda said they lost concentration.
“We failed to control the match. When we scored the second goal, we felt we had three points in the bag and sat back.
“However, it is a lesson learnt,” Mponda said.
Tigers Coach Leo Mpulula hailed his charges for a spirited performance.
“We are coming from two back-to-back defeats and we told our players that we cannot afford another defeat. I am happy that the players got instructions and at least got something from the match,” Mpulula said.
Tigers have moved to 10th position on the log table from 12th.
In another match, Kamuzu Barracks drew 0-0 with Baka City.
0 Comments