Silver Strikers are through to the Airtel Top 8 final after a dramatic 2-1 victory over city rivals Civil Service United in a gripping Lilongwe derby at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The result sets up a mouth-watering final against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who also secured a 2-1 win over Karonga United in their semi-final clash on Saturday.
The all-Lilongwe affair kicked off with plenty of energy and physicality, as both sides pushed hard for early control.
Civo looked particularly sharp down the right flank, with Blessings Malinda and Frank Chizuze leading several dangerous moves. They came agonizingly close to opening the scoring in the 25th minute when Charles Mafaiti’s thunderous 40-yard free-kick rattled the crossbar.
Despite some close chances, the opening half ended 0-0.
After the break, Silver Strikers shifted gears and started to impose themselves. Their pressure finally paid off in the 63rd minute when Nickson Mwase rose highest to connect with a Chinsisi Maonga corner, sending the ball past the keeper and sparking wild celebrations from the Strikers’ faithful.
Civo, however, weren’t done. They hit back late in the 86th minute, with Peter Ng’ambi heading home from a Damiano Kunje corner to level the score and set up a nail-biting finish.
But Silver had the final word. Just two minutes into added time, Emmanuel Allan met a pinpoint cross from Dan Sandukira to nod in the winner and send the Bankers to the final in dramatic fashion.
The Airtel Top 8 final is scheduled for July 12th and promises fireworks as Silver Strikers lock horns with defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in what’s shaping up to be an epic encounter between two powerhouses of Malawian football.
