* We included many players that are from the reserve side to give them a feel of what it is like to play at a stage like this and it paid off
* I am very disappointed with the result but pleased how they played — especially Paul Master—Bullets coach Peter Mponda
Maravi Express
Silver Strikers have lifted the FCB-at-30 Trophy this afternoon after beating Nyasa Big Bullets 2-0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe — a special match organised by First Capital Bank (FCB) in celebrating their 30 years of operation in Malawi.
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A report by Silver Strikers Media, indicates that the Bankers made a wholesome change to its starting line up as six reserve team players were included in its squad whereby two were featured in the match.
The TNM Super League 2024 champions showed their intent early into the match as the side kept piling pressure and keeping good possession of the ball.
It was not by surprise that Binwell Katinji tapped in the first goal of the match at nine minutes after playing a one-two with Stanie Davie who was in fine form.
The Area 47 outfit kept piling pressure until 32 minutes when they doubled the lead after captain of the day Innocent Shema was brought down in the 18 yard box. A penalty was given and Shema converted it by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Silver Strikers went to recess two goals up and in the second half, Nyasa Big Bullets came a changed side as a minute into the half they forced Pilirani Mapira to make a fantastic save to keep the Area 47 side in the game.
Oscar Petro made his senior debut for The People’s Team
Going forward, Silver Strikers continued to be the better side on the day as they maintained good possession and frequently reached the final third of the opponents’ half.
At 55 minutes, Kalima came knocking when he made a solo run from the centre dribbling past two opponents then took two shots which were all blocked then later opted for Katinji who slotted the ball in the net but was ruled out for offside.
Just nine minutes after the hour mark, Katinji’s effort hit the side netting after his shot was blocked for a corner. Zebron Kalima and Davie played a beautiful one-two passe to release Katinji who made a good run on the right.
Davie came close to registering his name on the scoresheet when he connected a corner kick by Kalima at 71 minutes only to be denied by the post, Bullets defenders scrambled for the ball and cleared it from danger.
Eight minutes later, Nyasa Big Bullets goalkeeper Clever Kungula was given matching orders after bringing down Davie outside the 18-yard box to finish the match with 10 men.
Silver Strikers made its first change 10 minutes from time when Binwell Katinji was rested for Emmanuel Nyakupete.
After the match, first assistant coach Mapopa Kent Msukwa praised his charges for a well executed game plan: “We should give a big thank you to the players for a good win this afternoon and for their good understanding of the game plane.
“The boys executed our game plan well and got a result. We included many players that are from the reserve side to give them a feel of what it is like to play at a stage like this and it paid off. As a team we will make efforts to continue polishing them and keep them,” Msukwa said.
Attention will now turn to midweek action as the Bankers travel to Mchinji to face Creck Sporting Club at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in the ninth match of the TNM Super League 2025.
On its part, Nyasa Big Bullets Media reported that coach Peter Mponda, who led the Bankers to their TNM Super League title after 11 years, was “very disappointed with the result” but pleased how they played — “especially Paul Master”.
“He hasn’t had game time, but today he delivered a strong performance,” said the coach. “Once he improves his fitness, I believe we’ll benefit a lot from him.”—Content by Silver Strikers Media & Nyasa Big Bullets Media
