TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers, are just three points away from securing their first title in 11 years after their 2-0 victory over Baka City.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ 2-2 draw against MAFCO FC has placed the Central Bankers within striking distance of the championship.
They can clinch the title with any of the following outcomes in their remaining matches: a win, three draws, or a win and a draw. Any of these results will mathematically crown them as champions.
Currently, Silver Strikers remain unbeaten and lead the standings with 61 points while Wanderers are second with 54 points. The two sides will meet on Saturday in what is set to be a title decider at Kamuzu Stadium.
Despite heavy rains and a water-logged pitch, Silver Strikers adapted well and created numerous chances.
The opening goal came in the 17th minute when Macdonald Lameck delivered a long ball, which Charles Chipala headed home.
The second goal followed shortly before halftime, with Chimwemwe Idana sending a cross into the box that found Stanie Davie, who slotted the ball home after Chipala’s initial attempt was missed.
Baka City struggled to break down Silver Strikers’ defence, Daudi Saiti registered their first and only shot on target in the 77th minute which was saved by George Chikooka, who has already won the golden glove.
In Blantyre, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers squandered a 2-0 first half lead following goals from Lawrence Chaziya (7′) and Isaac Kaliati (42′) as MAFCO mounted a late comeback. Auspicious Kadzongola scored a penalty in the 81st minute, followed by Bernard Chimaimba’s goal in the 89th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Wanderers’ Assistant Coach, Bob Mpinganjira, noted that his team did not play their usual game despite scoring early.
MAFCO’s Technical Director, Jimmy Mzunga, attributed the late goals to his team’s strategic introduction of pacey players to exploit weaknesses in Wanderers’ midfield.
In Lilongwe, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets also faced a similar setback, drawing 2-2 against Civil Service United.
Bullets initially took the lead through a Nickson Nyasulu penalty (17′) after a foul on Chikumbutso Salima.
In the second half, Ephraim Kondowe doubled their lead with a header (48′) from a Salima corner, but Civil Service responded through Mathews Hamza (64′) and Chikaiko Batison (72′), both benefiting from lapses in the Bullets defence.
Bullets remain third with 45 points, while Mzuzu Hammers are fourth with 44 points.
