By Chrispin Kapindira
Mzuzu, June 23, Mana: Silver Strikers defeated Civo Service United 2-1 on Sunday at the Bingu National Stadium to book their place in the Airtel Top 8 finals.
Civo Service United started strong, with Blessings Malinda and Frank Chizuze attacking heavily in Silver Strikers defense, but still did not manage to find the net.
While Silver Strikers had their first real chance of the game in the 37th minute when Civo’s goalkeeper, Juma, left his line, but the defense intervened to clear the ball, keeping the score goalless at halftime.
Silver Strikers returned from the break with renewed energy and began to dominate possession. Their pressure paid off in the 64th minute when Nickson Mwase headed in a corner from Chinsisi Maonga to give them a 1-0 lead. Civo Service United responded well and equalized in the 86th minute through a header by Peter Ng’ambi from a Damiano Kunje corner.
However, Silver Strikers remained in control of the game and continued to attack. Emmanuel Allan headed in a decisive cross from Dan Sandukira just two minutes into stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory for the bankers.
The win books Silver Strikers a spot in the Airtel Top 8 final on 12 July against Nyasa Big Bullets who also won 2-1 on Saturday against Karonga United. This will mark the third final clash between the two but Bullets have managed to win all the finals against Silver Strikers.
This also marks the second consecutive time these two have met in the Airtel Top 8 final, but last time bullets won 1-0 with the only goal coming from Enerst Petro.
