Silver Strikers returned to winning ways in style on Saturday afternoon, brushing aside spirited rookies Ekhaya FC with a convincing 3-1 win in a TNM Super League Week 14 clash at Silver Stadium.
Following a subdued start to the match, it was Ekhaya who looked sharper in the opening exchanges. The visitors won an early free kick after James Lumbe broke through midfield, but the resulting set piece failed to trouble the hosts.
Despite Ekhaya’s early energy, it was Silver who gradually took control of proceedings, and head coach Peter Mgangira’s tactical switch midway through the first half proved decisive. The introduction of Charles Chipala for Innocent Shema shifted the dynamic, with Maxwell Paipi dropping into central defence while Levison Maganizo stepped into midfield.
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The changes quickly paid off. In the 38th minute, Chipala made an instant impact, rifling home the opener to put the Central Bankers ahead. Just four minutes later, Chinsisi Maonga doubled the lead in fortuitous fashion, his intended cross sneaking past goalkeeper Elias Missi and into the far corner.
Silver went into the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage and returned in the second half determined to extend their lead. Just eight minutes after the restart, Uchizi Vunga capped off a flowing team move by unleashing a thunderbolt that gave Missi no chance, stretching the scoreline to 3-0.
Ekhaya responded by introducing Lovemore Mbeta and Matamando Machipisa, hoping to inject some urgency. However, it was the hosts who continued to dictate the tempo, with Clever Chikwata forcing a sharp save earlier and Stanly Billiati failing to capitalise on a golden opportunity with the goal gaping.
Silver also made a series of substitutions to manage energy levels, bringing in the likes of Precious Sambani and Binwell Katinji to see out the result.
Ekhaya were handed a late lifeline when the referee pointed to the spot after a Silver defender, Innocent Mtonga handled inside the box. Andrew Lameck stepped up and calmly slotted past George Chikooka to pull one back for the visitors in the 81st minute.
Despite a late surge and five minutes of added time, Ekhaya couldn’t find another breakthrough. Silver held firm to claim all three points, a result that keeps them firmly in the race as they seek to defend their league crown.
The win came as a much-needed response from the Bankers following their Airtel Top 8 final heartbreak last weekend. For Ekhaya, the afternoon was a harsh reminder of the elite-level demands, but they will take lessons from the encounter as they continue their impressive debut campaign.
Levison Maganizo was voted Man of the Match.
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