Manyenje frustrates
bankers
Epac striker, Mussa Manyenje scored two superb goals against
the TNM super league defending champions Silver Strikers to deny them opening a
four point gap lead at the summit of the log.
Monday’s fixture provided a golden opportunity to the
defending champs to resist the overwhelming pressure being put on their head by
the untouchable Redlions, as they would have opened a four point gap lead.
The old capital city outfit is refusing to lose a super
league game this season, with the worst result being a draw, and the defending
champs may well feel a great chance lost to create a breathing space.
The first half started slowly as both teams failed to create
real goal scoring chances in the opening 20 minutes. The first real chance came
on 25t,h minute, when Chikondi Likwemba’s delightful cross beat Epac defense but only
for Harvey Mkacha to direct his shot wide.
Epac came close to opening the scoring just after the half
hour mark, when Ishmael Thindwas grass cutting free kick forced Alex Makina
into a save and Christopher Kautsire’s rebound lacked composure and vigor.
Silver’s persistent pressing would soon be reward, when a defensive
error from epac backline gifted Gonani a one-on-one situation with keeper and
he comfortably rounded him off to put his side in front.
Epac struggled defensively much of the first half, as their center
back Bright Phiri suffered an injury, and they were forced to make an early
substitution, bright Phiri was replaced by Noel Mlelemba. Epac got back into
the game just before the interval, Ishmael Thindwa rose highest to meet Jafali Chande’s
corner kick 1-1.
In the second half, Epac continued from where they had left
from as they went wave after wave to Silver’s half. Silver’s defense started
showing some cracks and failed to tick as they could not contend the attacking trio
of Ishmael Thindwa, Jafali Chande and Mussa Manyenje.
In responding to the pressure, Silver coach brought on Peter
Pindani to replace green Harawa, but that change did not count to anything as Epac
would soon go in front. On 71st minute, Ishmael Thindwa and Mussa
Manyenje combined with the latter dancing his way into the box
to put his side infront.2-1.
With less than five minutes left, Manyenje added another goal,
this time an unstoppable shot, with the keeper having no chance to prevent it
from kissing the net. Silver tried to reduce the deficit but Epac hanged onto
their lead.
After the game Epac coach Abbas Makawa was on cloud nine.
“I am happy for the victory, I think we played well and we
created a lot of chances. We want this to give us the momentum to improve our
position in the league.” he said
Attempts to talk to silver strikers coach proved futile, as
he declined to say his side of the story.
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