Vunga plunders twice as Silver beat Bullets in Castel Challenge Cup launch

Silver Strikers displayed a splendid performance to beat FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a five-goal thriller as the Castel Challenge Cup has been launched in a fashion way at Bingu National Stadium.

Uchizi Bvunga plundered second-half a brace, Tathedwa Willard scored a goal while a goal each from Precious Phiri and Hassan Kajoke could not save Bullets from a defeat as the Bankers continue their good form at Bingu National Stadium.

First ever African girl to win the Serie A golden boot, Tabitha Chawinga unveiled the trophy for the Castel Challenge Cup, both teams made wholesale changes as fringe players had to prove their worth.

Anthony Mfune was handed the role to lead the Bullets in attack in company of Righteous Banda and Precious Phiri while Atusaye Nyondo had to lead Silver Strikers’ attack flanked by Reserve graduate, Adiel Kaduya and Chinsisi Maonga.

Powered by the sizeable fans that thronged the South-western stands, Gomezgani Chirwa created two chances within the first 10 minutes after out-running Tatenda M’balaka on the right.

Anthony Mfune wanted a flick but Piliran Mapira who was making his second start denied him the access to the goals before Righteous Banda rattling the right post of Mapira.

Mfune had his goal ruled out for offside as Precious Phiri played wonders on the right before playing him through but when he was playing his shot against the back of the net, assistant referee’s flag was already up.

Silver Strikers gained the momentum, capitalising Bullets’ profligacy as Uchizi Bvunga was leading the midfield.

Trying to play a pressing game, Silver Strikers were all over the field and forcing Bullets to make several mistakes at the back hence lacking the proper channel to attack.

Despite having a Lions’ share of proceedings in the game, Silver Strikers had two shots on goal in the first-half. Chinsisi Maonga registered the first shot on goal with a curling effort from the free-kick that was well guarded by Rabson Chiyenda.

Henry Kabichi playing too deep, Collins Odhiambo Okumu and Erik Kaonga’s poor combination left Bullets disjointed. Silver Strikers won four corners in the first-half as Bullets had none.

Despite lacking a distinct quality in the final third, Silver Strikers continued to dominate the game in pursuit of an opener but Simbi was alert to stop Silver’ attacks.

Grateful to be on level after 45 minutes as Silver Strikers were attacking through all cylinders. Their effort got rewarded in the additional minute.

Tathedwa Willard opened the scores. Bvunga who was in his superior form drove the team forward before spotting Zebron Kalima and the new No 10 played a cut-back pass to Tathedwa who arrowed his shot that was fumbled by Chiyenda, it went into the net to the delightful of Taonga Chimodzi who was leading the team in absence of Pieter De Jongh who is reported to be in his home country, Netherlands.

Noting lack of quality in attack, Peter Mponda made four changes at the recess, Hassan Kajoke, MacFarlane Mgwira, Thomson Magombo, and Maxwell Phodo replaced Anthony Mfune, Gomezgan Chirwa, Kenneth Pasuwa and Henry Kabichi.

Despite the changes, Bullets’ problem remained the same, losing possessions in the buid-up phase. Nyondo nearly stabbed the second but he saw his goal-bound shot being blocked by Collins Odhiambo Okumu before it crossed the line.

Hassan Kajoke started giving Silver Strikers’ defence tough time. He stretched himself to drive Muyira out position and he had his ball on to his feet, he darted past the defended before seeing Mkwate in the penalty area, calmly and intelligently, agonisingly rattled the post but thereafter it was Silver Strikers who were 2-0 up.

Uchizi Bvunga found himself on the scoresheet after capitalising on Bullets defensive mix-up. Chinsisi Maonga winning the possession deep inside his own half, he switched the channel of attacking to Kalima who was playing interchangeably in flanks with Maonga. Kalima found Bvunga on the edge of the box who unleashed a missiles that was too much for Chiyenda.

Taonga Chimodzi hooked Piliran Mapira off in readiness for the forthcoming FDH Bank Cup game, Emmance Nyirenda was in goals.

Bullets started attacking anger, the arrears were reduced. Kajoke, Magombo and Mkwate combined on the left before teeing up Phiri whose hammer striker was deflected into the net to make it 2-1.

Hassan Kajoke leveled the scores minutes later. Silver Strikers’ defence caught napping, expecting for the flag to go up when Kajoke was receiving the pass from McFarren Ngwira, the striker beat the offside trap to stab home an equaliser.

The celebration did not last longer Silver Strikers were back in front few minutes later. Chisomo mpachika sent a long ball that was poorly cleared by Kesten Simbi into the path of Kalima who played Bvunga through before firing past Chiyenda to restore their lead.

Mike Mkwate sustained an injury towards the end of the game as Ephraim Kondowe replaced him while Emmanuel Kaunga came in to provide the total security at the back for Silver to emerge the winners in premium fare.

Castel Malawi in April unveiled a three-year sponsorship for Castel Challenge Cup in excess of K1 billion, which is the highest in the history of Malawi football.
Castel Malawi, formerly Carlsberg Malawi, is returning to sponsor football after withdrawing Carlsberg Cup sponsorship in 2019.
For this year alone, Castel Malawi is pumping in over K320 million towards the cup.

The national champion will get K50 million while the e runners-up will get K25 million.The two semi-finalists will get MK10 million each while four quarter-finalists will walk away with K5 million each.

The competition will start at district level where 31 district champions will receive MK750,000 each while 17 teams that will qualify from the regional level will get K1 million each.