Yanga (0) 2-0 (1) Silver Strikers

DAR ES SALAAM-(MaraviPost)-Silver Strikers’ CAF Champions League journey has come to an end after a 2-0 defeat to Tanzania’s Yanga SC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday evening.

The result saw the Lilongwe-based outfit exit the competition 2-1 on aggregate.

The Central Bankers which carried a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Lilongwe, were undone by two first-half goals from the hosts which dominated the early stages in front of a jam packed home crowd.

Yanga took the lead just six minutes into the game after capitalizing on a corner that was well connected at the near post, leaving goalkeeper George Chikooka with no chance.

The early setback unsettled the visitors as they struggled to find their rhythm.

Silver Strikers thought they had found an equalizer midway through the first half when Andrew Joseph found the back of the net but the flag was up for offside a call that left the visitors frustrated.

Minutes later, another offside decision denied them a potential goal scoring opportunity as they tried to press forward.

Yanga doubled their lead in the 33rd minute after a swift move from their own half caught Silver’s defense off guard with a well-taken finish making it 2-0 and swinging the tie in favor of the Tanzanian champions.

At halftime, Silver Strikers trailed by two goals, needing at least one to force extra time.

Head Coach Edson Kadenge made a tactical switch at the break, bringing in Ernest Petro for Andrew Joseph to add more pace and creativity upfront.

The second half saw a more composed display from the Bankers, who enjoyed more possession and created several chances.

A fine cross from McDonald Lameck nearly found Petro but it missed his head by inches a moment that could have changed the game’s complexion.

Despite introducing fresh legs in the latter stages including Emmanuel Allan, Binwell Katinji and Charles Chipala Silver Strikers could not find the breakthrough.

Bankers best late chance came when Petro floated in a teasing cross that Allan narrowly failed to connect with.

In the end, Yanga’s early dominance proved decisive, as the Tanzanian side held on to secure progression to the next round, leaving the Malawian side to rue missed opportunities.

The Maravi Post