By McLloyd Kudzingo
Red Lions delivered a mighty upset as they secured a 1-0 victory against Silver Strikers at Balaka Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Lions took the lead after 28 minutes through Brown Gondwe and while Silver grew into the game, they were unable to find a response.
On a number of occasions, the central bankers were able to win possession and create a number of scoring opportunities in the first half — only to stumble at the final hurdle.
The second half saw the visitors coming very strong but Red Lions goalkeeper Nenani Juwaya was always equal to the task, denying Silver the much needed equaliser and the Zomba-based soldiers would hold on for a gutsy victory.
In the second half both teams made a number of changes as Duncan Nyoni paved way for Zebron Kalima at the beginning of the second half and Atusaye Nyondo and George Chaomba replaced Adiel Kaduya and Innocent Shema in the 65th minute.
Red Lions on the other hand, brought in Davie Meja and Fergason Mtondo for Ronald Pangani and Moses Namkumba in the 51st minute and Franklin Titani paved way for Alfred Sapanga 15 minutes later.
Red Lions player Innocent Makalani was shown matching orders for a second yellow card after kicking Silver Strikers forward Stain Davie.
After the match Juwaya was voted man of the match for his brilliant performance.
Following the loss, the capital city giants have slipped to position 2 while Red Lions have moved a step up from the relegation zone with 18 points, just a point above 14th placed Blue Eagles FC.
Elsewhere, Dedza Dynamos beat Chitipa United 1-nil at Dedza Stadium to move to position 7 on the log table.
Man of the moment Clement Nyondo scored the only goal of the match 5 minutes before half time from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Chitipa United captain Chris Lwemba.
Lwemba was later shown a Red Card after threatening to beat center referee Chidziwitso Simbi forcing the visitors to finish the match with 10 men.
Despite the loss, Chitipa remain third in the Standings while Dynamos have moved to position 7 and they have so far accumulated 22 points.
In Blantyre, Nyasa Big Bullets were 3-nil winners against rookies Extreme FC at the Kamuzu Stadium to move back to the top of the league.
Man of the match Patrick Mwaungulu broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after receiving an assist from Frank Willard.
Yamikani Fodya doubled the lead for the defending champions from the penalty spot in the 75th minute before Anthony Mfune scored the other goal five minutes later.
The People’s team are now top in the standings with 34 points, two points above Silver Strikers while Extreme continue to anchor the table as they have only accumulated 10 points after playing 17 games.
In Lilongwe, Blue Eagles and Bangwe All Stars drew 2-2 in an exciting match that took place at Nankhaka Stadium.
Back from suspension, Schumacher Kuwali scored the first goal for Eagles just 4 minutes into the game but Robert Saizi levelled the scores 9 minutes later.
Emmanuel Lino put the visitors ahead in the 37th minute but Eagles found the back of the net again in the 64th minute through Richard Lapson.
Following the draw, Blue Eagles are now third from the bottom with 17 points from 17 games while Bangwe are now on position 8 with 21 points.
