Rachael Kaphaizi

Silver Strikers 2-1 Civil Service United

After struggling with Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium in the TNM Super League last week, Silver Strikers reorganised and forced their way into the Airtel Top 8 finals after edging their rivals Civil Service United at Bingu National Stadium.

The match started with Civil playing better, making beautiful exchanges  of passes, dominating in the midfield and winning ball possession.

On 20 minutes Civil found a chance through Blessings Malinda whose shot was cleared by Silver Strikers keeper George Chikooka. Silver found their first opportunity on 36 minutes through Stain Davie but he headed it over.

It was goalless at half. At 63 minutes, the Central Bankers drew their first blood through Nickson Mwase who headed home a Chinsinsi Maonga corner kick.

After the goal Civil did not stop showing an impressive performance but rather started pressing for an equaliser and they levelled at 86 minutes through Peter Ng’ambi who connected a Damiano Kunje’s corner kick.

When it looked like it was over and penalties were to decide, Emmanuel Allan had other plans as he gave Bankers that needed goal scoring with two minutes added time.

Civil vice coach Wilson Chidati said his players lost concentration towards the end of the game.

“The only problem that happened was lack of concentration from our players including the goalkeeper,” said Chidati.

While Bankers coach Peter Mgangila was excited with the result regardless of poor performance.

“I am happy we won the match although the performance was not all that we expected. But, I am happy that we are into the finals,” he said.

Silver Strikers will meet Bullets second time in a row in the Airtel Top 8 final on July 12. They met in 2024 with Bullets winning 1-0 through an Ernest Petro header.

Lineups:

Silver: Chikooka, Paipi, Lameck, Mwase, Maonga, Kalima, Sandukira, Vunga, Allan, Idana, Duwe

Civil: Juma, Banda, Dambuleni, Kunje, Malinda, Billiat, Ng’ambi, Mhone, Mafaiti, Chizuze, Batson