Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Bullets played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the 2023 TNM Super League opening match at Bingu National Stadium.
In a balanced first half, the People’s team took the lead through Lanjesi Nkhoma who finished a brilliant pass from Alick Lungu after 39 minutes of play. However the Bankers responded well and equalized three minutes after the recess through Nickson Mwase’s header from a corner kick delivered into the box by Mark Fodya.
After scoring The Bankers continued to put pressure on Bullets and creating several chances but they were twice denied to take the lead by Bullets Goalie Richard Chimbamba’s brilliant saves.
Towards the end, both teams pushed for a late winner but the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Here is our player ratings for today’s game;
SILVER STRIKERS
CHARLES THOM – 6: Had an easy job today. He made only two saves, firstly a weak shot from Maxwell Phodo and the other one from Antony Mfune. His footwork was excellent and was able to catch aerial balls emanated from the wings but the only problem was to deal with a low cross by Alick Lungu which he watched passing through the goal mouth and met Lanjesi Nkhoma who made a quick tap in.
INNOCENT SHEMA – 6: Defensively looked good most of the times though Alick Lungu used his side to provide an assist for Bullets’ goal. Offensively he had few to offer as he failed to create chances for his team.
MARK FODYA – 6: Same as Shema, his usual dangerous crosses were not seen today, perhaps due to Blessings Mpokera pushing up and keeping him busy inside his own half more especially in the first half.
NICKSON MWASE AND EMMANUEL KAUNGA – 7: The duo played well in the entire 90 minutes. They looked comfortable on the ball and they were able to keep Bullets number 9 Phodo silent. Their combination was superb but they were both unable to prevent Bullets from scoring as they failed to tame Lungu’s teasing ball.
CHIKONDI KAMANGA – 7: Excellent display from the Bankers skipper, holding the ball well and being at the centre of Silver Strikers’ play. He covered well the defense.
MAXWELL PAIPI – 6.5: Not much from him in the first half but a much improved on in the second half when he occupied the right flank of the Bankers. Sprayed around plenty of pretty passes in the second half.
CHIMWEMWE IDANA – 9: Today’s Man of the match, the former FCB Nyasa Bullets midfielder floated around and offered a constant outlet for players on the ball. His techniques were remarkable and really appreciated. His touch and brain got him out of difficult situations and he looked strong at the middle pack.
ZEBRON KALIMA – 5: He was not usual Kalima we used to know. Tightly marked by Blessings Mpokera and he didn’t show any hunger to hurt Bullets. He was substituted at half time for Gift Chunga.
DUNCAN NYONI – 7: Beautiful dribbles, looked good on the ball and tried to make things happen but to break through the right side was very difficult as the side was well closed by BB left back Alick Lungu.
ATUSAYE NYONDO – 3: probably the worst player on the field. Nothing to write about him. Failed to register attempts again he was unable to keep the ball and he was substituted for Stain Davie.
SUBS
GIFT CHUNGA – 6:
STAIN DAVIE – 2:
TATENDA M’BALAKA – 2:
FCB NYASA BULLETS
RICHARD CHIMBAMBA – 8.5: FCB Nyasa Bullets man of the match. Without him they would have lost this game. He made a string of excellent saves. His passes were accurate. The goal conceded can’t really be blamed on him at all.
BLESSINGS MPOKERA & ALICK LUNGU – 7: The Fullbacks produced a fantastic first half. Mpokera delivered a number of dangerous balls in the box. He was also able to keep shut his opponent Kalima. So too was Lungu who defended well against Duncan Nyoni and his first half performance saw him record an assist. His cross for Nkhoma was on the money. The second half was very difficult for the youngsters and they opted to stay at the back.
NICKSON NYASULU & CLYDE SANEJI – 7: The Centre back duo put in a pretty strong performance at the back, imposing themselves in the air and on the ground. They joined in with a lot of the link up play. Their combination was excellent.
FRANK WILLARD – 8: He was outstanding on his role at the midfield. Splitting passes around and he dictated the tempo of the game. Holding the ball well and covered his defense well.
ENERST PETRO – 4: Was never given the time to get creative on the ball. His pressing was full of energy but void of ambition.
MIKE MKWATE – 5: Heavily involved in lots of good Bullets play in the first half. Things got a little sloppy in the second half and he struggled to keep up.
PATRICK MWAUNGULU – 6: A game of two halves for Mwaungulu. The Flames youngster was a distinct threat in the opening period. Struggled to have any impact after the restart.
LANJESI NKHOMA – 7: energetic showing from Nkhoma, who wreaked havoc in wings particularly in the first half. He scored a beautiful goal for the People’s Team.
MAXWELL GASTEN PHODO – 4: He recorded just a single attempt on goal but it was a weak one. At times he held the ball well but he wasn’t given any opportunity to score as he was tightly marked by the Bankers Centre backs. Overall, not really impressive.
SUBSTITUTES:
JOHN LANJESI – 2:
CHAWANAGWA GUMBO – 5:
STANLEY BILIATI – 3:
ANTONY MFUNE – 3:
CHINEDU OKAFOR – 4:
