Silver Strikers' hopes of defending their TNM Super League title suffered another setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by city rivals Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday afternoon.

The Central Bankers went into the match facing an injury crisis, missing up to nine key players.

Speaking ahead of the clash on Friday, head coach Peter Mgangira admitted that the situation was far from ideal.

“It’s a big blow to be without nine of our players, but we have depth in the squad and I trust the boys who will be given the chance. We’ve had a slow start to the season, so a win would have been a big step in building momentum,” said Mgangira. 

Despite the depleted lineup, Silver Strikers managed to salvage a point late in the game after going behind early in the second half.

Laurent Banda put the hosts, Blue Eagles, ahead with a well-taken goal in the first half. The forward pounced on a loose ball that ricocheted off Silver Strikers defender McDonald Lameck midway through the visitors’ half, before unleashing a thunderous strike that flew past the goalkeeper George Chikooka- a potential contender for Goal of the Season award. The strike sent Blue Eagles fans into wild jubilation.

However, substitute Zebron Kalima came to the rescue for Silver Strikers, netting a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time to salvage a point for the defending champions.

The draw means Silver Strikers drop to 8th on the table with 12 points from seven matches, while Blue Eagles climb to 5th.

Blue Eagles head coach Derkleck Msakakuona expressed mixed feelings after the final whistle.

“I’m happy with the performance overall. We played well and created chances, but it’s very disappointing to concede so late in the game, especially at 96 minutes. We should have managed the game better,” said Msakakuona. 

Silver Strikers, who started the campaign with high hopes, now face mounting pressure to turn around their form if they are to keep pace with early pacesetters FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers.