Rachael Kaphaizi

Blue Eagles head coach Deklek Msakakuona remains confident of his side’s chances of repeating last year’s success after eliminating city rivals Silver Strikers in the FDH Cup. Msakakuona believes his team is well prepared and fully focused ahead of tomorrow’s crucial quarter-final tie against the Central Bankers.

“Every time Blue Eagles and Silver Strikers meet, it’s always a cracker,” said Msakakuona. “We’re prepared and our focus is sharp—we’re aiming to win. Silver will undoubtedly come at us strongly, especially after we knocked them out last season. But we are ready.”

The only absentee for the Eagles is James Stambuli, who remains sidelined due to injury. Apart from that, Msakakuona is expected to field a near full-strength squad.

Recent encounters between the two sides have been tightly contested, with each team securing two wins apiece and one draw in their last five meetings. Their most recent FDH Cup clash ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Blue Eagles emerging victorious after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.

Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mgangira insists his team is determined to flip the script this time around.

“The lads are sharp and our training sessions have been excellent,” said Mgangira. “The loss to Blue Eagles last year is still fresh in our minds, and that’s a huge motivator.”

He added, “This match is about more than a place in the semi-finals. It’s about city pride and bragging rights. We both represent Lilongwe—it’s always intense.”

Mgangira also highlighted the timely return of key players, including Chikondi Kamanga, from injury—giving him more tactical options ahead of the showdown.

With both teams coming into the fixture with strong squads and recent form behind them, fans can expect yet another fiery chapter in this Lilongwe rivalry.