Striker Andrew Joseph scored a dramatic late winner as Silver Strikers edged Civil Service United 1–0 to book their place in the 2025 FDH Bank Cup Final.
Joseph headed home with just two minutes left on the clock, breaking Civil’s hearts and sending the Central Bankers into their second final in the competition’s history.
It was a tense Capital City derby in which Civil Service United dominated large periods of play but failed to convert their chances. Dastain Banda forced an early save from goalkeeper George Chikooka, while Yankho Billiati rattled the post with a first-half free-kick. John Dambuleni also missed a clear chance after the break as Civil pushed for the opener.
Silver, meanwhile, struggled to impose themselves in attack and failed to register a single shot on target in the opening half. Attempts from Uchizi Vunga and Joseph were easily dealt with by goalkeeper Rahaman John.
However, the breakthrough arrived in the 88th minute. A long throw-in from Macdonald Lameck caused chaos in the box, bouncing off the crossbar before Joseph reacted quickest to nod the ball into the net — sparking wild celebrations among the Bankers’ supporters.
The result extended Silver Strikers’ unbeaten run over Civil Service United to six matches and secured their spot in Sunday’s final, where they will face the winner between Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Speaking after the match, Silver Strikers assistant coach Kent “Mapopa” Msukwa hailed his players for their resilience.
“It was a derby game and as usual, it was tough. We wanted an early goal, but Civil came stronger. The good thing is that we defended well and found the winner late in the game,” Msukwa said.
“Civil were the better team in the second half after we dominated the first, but our substitutions worked and we appreciate the players for their effort.”
His opposite number, Civil Service United head coach Abbas Makawa, rued his side’s missed chances.
“In football, if you don’t utilize chances, you get punished. We created enough to win the game, but it didn’t happen. Still, we can’t blame the players — they’ve been fantastic all season. We just have to congratulate Silver for the win,” Makawa said.
Silver Strikers will now look to reclaim the FDH Bank Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 2021 when they beat Ekwendeni Hammers (now Mzuzu City Hammers) in the final.
