Silver Strikers have booked their place in the Airtel Top 8 final after a dramatic 2-1 victory over city rivals Civo Service United in a tense Lilongwe derby on Sunday afternoon at Bingu National Stadium.
The win sets up a mouthwatering showdown against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who edged past Karonga United 2-1 on Saturday to secure their spot in the championship match.
The highly anticipated semi-final between the two Lilongwe-based sides started with intensity and physicality as both teams looked to assert early dominance.
Civo Service United appeared to be the more threatening side in the opening 30 minutes, with Blessings Malinda and Frank Chizuze causing problems down the right flank.
Civo’s Charles Mafaiti came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, unleashing a thunderous 40-meter free-kick that rattled the crossbar in the 25th minute. Despite several chances at both ends, the first half ended goalless.
Silver Strikers returned from the break with renewed energy and began to control possession. Their pressure paid off in the 63rd minute when Nickson Mwase rose highest to head home a Chinsisi Maonga corner, sending the Bankers’ fans into celebration.
Civo responded with determination and were rewarded in the 86th minute when Peter Ng’ambi nodded in a well-placed header from a Damiano Kunje corner to level the score.
But Silver wasn’t finished. Just two minutes into stoppage time, Emmanuel Allan emerged as the hero, heading in a decisive cross from Dan Sandukira to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The Bankers will now face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the Airtel Top 8 final on July 12th—a highly anticipated showdown between two of Malawi’s football powerhouses.
They will be meeting in the final for the second time in a row, and an overall third cup final meeting in this competition.
Pic credit: FAM Media
