Silver Strikers edged Moyale Barracks 1-0 on Monday to get the ball rolling in the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Quarter-final.
A ninth minute strike from Festus Duwe was the only goal in the match.
Silver Strikers were the good side as the team kept possession and showed hunger for goal from the first whistle.
Duwe found the back of the net early into the game after he received a long throw in from McDonald Lameck which only needed his touch to get into the net.
As play continued, Uchizi Vunga could have doubled the lead after playing a one-two with Binwell Katinji, but his effort went wide.
Eight minutes from recess, Moyale Barracks were saved by their goalkeeper, as he cleared a one on one chance after Katinji played a quick pass with Chimwemwe Idana, but Katinji failed to finish.
At half time Gift Chunga was introduced for Uchizi Vunga. Come second half, the guests came out a changed side in search of an equaliser that never came.
At 57 minutes, Binwell Katinji was substituted for Stanie Davie. The tempo of the match dropped as the second half proceeded with both teams failing to find clear cut chances.
Chinsisi Maonga was introduced at 64 minutes for Zebron Kalima.
As Silver Strikers looked to double the scores, Gift Chunga made a run on the left where he pushed in a good cross inside the eighteen yard box but it was just a few centimeters high for Duwe to finish it off.
That was the last action for Duwe as he was subbed for Levison Maganizo.
The scores remained unchanged until the last whistle.
Head Coach Peter Mgangira rued missed chances, saying the result did not translate the full time scoreline.
“We are thankful for the win this afternoon though we feel we could have done better. We created a lot of chances but scored only one but thats part of the game we have to look forward to the second leg. This win will help us to raise the momentum for us and we expect more going forward,” said Mgangira.
Festus Duwe was chosen as the Dolo wa Match for his fantastic performance on Monday.
Silver Strikers will travel to Mzuzu on 19 May for the second leg of the tie which will be played at Mzuzu Stadium.
