Silver Strikers have concluded the 2024 TNM Super League in style, crushing Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 5-2 under overcast-but-dry weather at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, finishing the season with 67 points from 30 games.
The Central Bankers wasted no time in asserting their control and dominated the early exchanges with pinpoint passing, a clear strategy to exploit the flanks.
Midfield partnership of Lassuli Jali and Chimwemwe Idana was a master class in creativity and control, dictating the tempo of the game with ease.
The breakthrough came in the 7th minute, a beautifully orchestrated team move. Chikondi Kamanga initiated the play, finding Dan Sandukila, who unselfishly passed to Chinsisi Maonga whose vision picked out Idana and the midfield maestro coolly slotted home to give Silver an early lead.
The pressure continued from Silver, with Maonga nearly doubling the lead after a pinpoint cross from McDonald Lameck, only to be flagged for offside. In the late stages of the half, despite Dedza’s attempt to claw back possession, the first half ended in full control for the hosts 1-0.
The second half started with a bang as Dedza Dynamos were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute after Nickson Mwase handled the ball inside the penalty area. Gift Magola took responsibility and scored with conviction to level matters for the visitors at 1-1.
For a short period, Dedza looked revitalised, holding possession and putting Silver’s backline to test with two shots at target.
However, Silver Strikers coach Peter Mponda responded with a masterstroke, introducing Gift Chunga and Duncan Nyoni, which changed the complexion of the game altogether.
Substitute Gift Chunga made an instant impact, latching onto a brilliant one-touch pass from Uchizi Vunga to restore Silver’s lead. The stadium erupted in celebration as fireworks made noise alongside the jubilant fans.
Moments later, Duncan Nyoni capitalised on a defensive miscommunication by Dedza on the 70th minute. A rebounded ball from a corner kick found Nyoni, who made no mistake in extending Silver’s advantage to 3-1.
Five minutes later, Chunga added his second goal of the afternoon. A slick one-two with McDonald Lameck saw Chunga break free and slot home, leaving Dedza’s defence in tatters.
As if that was not enough, Zebron Kalima tapped in a delightful cross from Sandukila to make it 5-1, rounding off a dominant attacking performance for the Bankers on the 80th minute.
Dedza fought back in the 89th minute, with Limbani Phiri netting a well-taken grass-cutter goal after a rare midfield lapse by Silver. However, any hopes of a late rally were quashed when Chimwemwe Idana bravely cleared a dangerous attack in stoppage time, ensuring a comfortable victory for Silver Strikers.
Uchizi Vunga was voted Man of the Match at the end of the game.
Speaking in post-match interviews, Mponda said the game was for the fans and he was happy with the results and the performance of the team.
“We appreciate the support throughout the season. The players deserve their respect for their performance,” he said.
“The match was tough, as in the first half we were deep in our half and changing this in the second half, we failed to make transitional football; that’s why we have conceded,” said Andrew Bunya, Coach for Premier Bet Dedea Dynamos.
