Silver Strikers have stretched the title narrative into fresh territory after securing another vital win that keeps them breathing heavily down the necks of the league leaders. The Bankers edged Ekhaya FC by a solitary goal in a rain-soaked but riveting midweek fixture played at Mpira Stadium on December 10.
The defining moment arrived early in the eighth minute. Zebron Kalima, with the craft of a seasoned architect, unlocked the Ekhaya defence with a beautifully weighted pass that sent Festus Duwe into space. Duwe glanced up only once before slipping the ball toward Emmanuel Allan, who remained unshaken under pressure and chipped his effort over goalkeeper Joshua Waka. Symbolic of a Silver side rediscovering its sharpness as the season nears its decisive stretch.
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The rain grew lighter after the quarter-hour mark and allowed both sides to adjust their tactical rhythms. Ekhaya responded with intent, and Alick Lungu delivered their first real threat when he fired a shot on target, drawing a fine save from George Chikooka. Ekhaya continued to grow into the game with Emmanuel Savieli finding pockets of space, though his hesitation allowed Silver time to recover defensively.
Chikondi Kamanga attempted to stretch the lead with a powerful long-range strike that flew over the bar in the 36th minute. Ekhaya followed with inventive exchanges around the box, culminating in Savieli forcing another save from Chikooka. As the first half came to a close, Silver nearly doubled their lead but Allan’s header from a Duwe set piece drifted wide.
The second half opened with Ekhaya making an immediate change as Fanizo Mwansambo came in for Hermas Masinja. The early phases favoured Silver who earned a corner soon after the restart. Duwe and Allan continued to combine well, and Allan narrowly missed the bottom corner with a low shot in the fifty first minute. Two minutes later, he tested Waka again with a fierce strike straight at the keeper.
Silver introduced Lasuli Jali for Chinsinsi Maonga in the 59th minute as they sought fresh attacking energy. The match shifted into a more end to end battle when Ekhaya’s Levison Mnyenyembe delivered a dangerous free kick which dropped kindly for Lungu, only for the full back to fire wide. A few minutes later, Ekhaya made another change as Samuel Khedira Rukura replaced Blessings Malinda.
Silver’s pressure remained relentless. Jali forced another corner after a well hit effort in the sixty eighth minute. Despite their dominance, they required defensive grit as Ekhaya grew increasingly bold. Clever Chikwata and Kesten Simbi entered the fray in the 78th minute for Ekhaya, replacing Rukura and Emmanuel Savieli in a final push for the equalizer. But Silver held firm.
The Bankers made their final substitutions late in the match. Charles Chipala and Ernest Petro came on to replace Emmanuel Allan and Zebron Kalima in the seventy third minute, followed by the introduction of Felix Dumakude for Festus Duwe in the eighty fourth minute. Their control late in the game ensured that Ekhaya’s final attempts, including a powerful stoppage time free kick by Lungu, found no breakthrough.
When the whistle blew, the battle had been decided by Allan’s early strike. Alick Lungu was later voted Player of the Match for his tireless performance on the flank, though his team left the pitch empty handed.
After the match, Silver Strikers assistant coach Mapopa Kent Msukwa remained optimistic, insisting the title race remains wide open. He praised his side’s resilience and hinted at their growing belief.
“We had a good game. It was tough but what can you expect from an away game? The boys fought hard. We are going to play another away game to Karonga on Sunday and we are taking every game with top seriousness. We will see what happens in the end,” he said.
Ekhaya head coach Enos Chatama expressed disappointment but acknowledged his team’s improved performance despite falling short.
The win has added another twist to an increasingly dramatic title race. While Silver celebrated their win, league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were dealt a blow after suffering a 2 to 0 defeat to Moyale Barracks. The loss has narrowed the margins at the top and opened the door for both Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers to apply pressure.
TITLE RACE ANALYSIS: THE TRIO AT THE SUMMIT
With each team set to play thirty matches this season, the fight for the championship now hangs delicately between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers, and Silver Strikers, whose recent surge has reshaped the top order.
- FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Matches played: 27
Goals scored: 59
Goals conceded: 20
Goal difference: +34
Points: 59
The log leaders remain at the top but their recent defeat to Moyale Barracks has exposed cracks. With only three games left, Bullets must regain form immediately or risk surrendering their crown.
- Mighty Wanderers
Matches played: 26
Goals scored: 40
Goals conceded: 12
Goal difference: +28
Points: 59
Wanderers remain level on points with Bullets and have a game in hand. Their defensive record is the strongest among the top three, and their upcoming match against Karonga United presents a chance to go top. Their fate remains largely in their own hands.
- Silver Strikers
Matches played: 26
Goals scored: 44
Goals conceded: 16
Goal difference: +28
Points: 56
The Bankers, once dismissed during midseason due to poor form, have reinvented themselves. Their perfect record in the last five matches has reignited their title defence hopes. With a game in hand and momentum tilting in their favour, Silver have established themselves as the true dark horses of the title chase. Should they maintain their current form, they can draw level with Bullets and intensify the race even further.
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