Peter Mgangira wants to make Silver Stadium fortress as Bankers host Karonga

Silver Strikers will battle Karonga United this afternoon in a TNM Super League clash, with both teams looking to climb the table. The match holds particular significance for Silver Strikers’ Head Coach Peter Mgangira, who is determined to re-establish Silver Stadium as an impenetrable home ground.

Currently sitting 8th in the league with 12 points from seven games, Silver Strikers have had a mixed season so far, with three wins, three draws, and one loss.

They recently drew 1-1 with Blue Eagles and secured a 2-0 victory over CIVO United in league play. The defending champions have a solid scoring record of 12 goals while conceding six.

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Silver Strikers are also in impressive form in the Airtel Top 8 Cup, having just booked their spot in the final on June 23, 2025, with a 2-1 semi-final win over Civil Service United. This followed a dominant 4-1 aggregate victory against Moyale Barracks in the quarterfinals. They are set to face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the final on July 12.

Karonga United, meanwhile, comes into this match in a stronger league position, occupying 4th place with 15 points from seven matches, having registered five wins and two losses. Their consistent form is highlighted by an impressive five clean sheets this season, demonstrating a robust defensive unit. They have scored nine goals and conceded only three.

Recent league results include a 2-0 win over Mzuzu City Hammers and a 1-0 away victory against Songwe Border United, though they did suffer a 2-0 defeat to Ekhaya FC.

Karonga United’s Airtel Top 8 Cup run ended in the semi-finals on June 21, 2025, where they were narrowly defeated 2-1 by defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. Prior to that, they stunned Mighty Wanderers with a 2-1 aggregate victory in the quarterfinals.

Historically, Silver Strikers have dominated this fixture. In their last four direct encounters, Silver Strikers have won three, with one match ending in a draw, and Karonga United yet to secure a win. Their most recent meeting on May 25, 2024, saw Silver Strikers clinch a commanding 4-2 victory.

Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Mgangira emphasized the importance of collecting points at home. “Since the win on Sunday, we have had good recovery sessions, and training has been very positive,” he said. “Coming from a win and knowing that we’ve qualified for a final, the boys look sharp.”

Mgangira is keen to restore Silver Stadium’s reputation as a fortress. Silver Strikers last lost at the stadium in July 2022, a 3-1 defeat to Mafco FC.

During the stadium’s temporary closure for renovations, the Bankers used Bingu National Stadium as their home ground, where they experienced losses to Blue Eagles, Mighty Tigers, and Civil Service United. They also lost to Dedza Dynamos at Champions Stadium in matches designated as home games.

Upon their return to Silver Stadium in the 2024 season, Silver Strikers remained undefeated in all 15 home games, winning 12 and drawing against Moyale Barracks, Civil Service United, and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. Their only home loss this season occurred at Bingu National Stadium.

This season, they have played only one league game at Silver Stadium, securing a victory. They have also beaten Songwe and Kamuzu Barracks there, while drawing against Mighty Wanderers, Chitipa United, and Blue Eagles.

“We’re playing at home, and we understand the importance of getting three points in front of our supporters,” Mgangira continued.

“I always say that we respect the opponents, but we do not fear them. Karonga United has a very good, young, energetic squad. We saw how they played their last game, even though they lost. We know what to expect. The good thing is that the boys also watched them, so they know it’s a team capable of anything. So we’re ready for them.”

Silver Strikers will be without captain Chikondi Kamanga, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, and Charles Chipala, who continues with light training. Left-back Precious Sambani, midfielder Gift Chunga, and forward Samuel Ademeyi are also sidelined due to various injuries.