Silver Strikers made a grand return to Silver Stadium in league action on Sunday by beating Civil Service United by two goals to nil.
First-half goals by Festus Duwe and Chimwemwe Idana were what the Central Bankers needed to secure maximum points.
With the win, the Area 47 side has moved up to sixth position with eleven points.
Silver Strikers made its intentions known from the first whistle as Idana, Chinsisi Maonga and Duwe were lively and coordinated well to break the deadlock early into the game.
It was not by surprise that at 12 minutes Duwe found the back of the net after a spectacular exchange of passes from defense to attack. Duwe was involved in the attack, exchanging passes several times with Idana, who opened up Maonga, before returning the ball to Duwe, who slotted home a beautiful finish.
Three minutes later, the Civil Servants almost made a response to the goal they conceded but George Chikooka made a fantastic save to a shot taken by Moses Banda.
Duwe could have doubled our lead after 20 minutes of play when Dan Sandukila made a good run forward on the left as he gave a split pass to Idana who opened himself up and made a one touch pass inside the box to Duwe who missed the target as the ball flew over the bar.
At 40 minutes, captain Chikondi Kamanga was forced out due to sickness and was replaced by Levison Maganizo in midfield.
With two minutes to half time, Idana slotted home a penalty which came after forward Emmanuel Alllan was fouled in the penalty box.
The Bankers went to half time 2 nil up.
Come second half, the Area 47 side kept pressing the guests for a third goal. Around the hour mark, Idana launched an attack from our half to the opponents’ half and spotted Allan’s run but the ball was cleared by the goalie and landed at the feet of Maonga, who took a shot from a distance after noting that the keeper was off his line but missed the target.
A minute later Allan was replaced by Binwell Katinji.
Five minutes from time, Chinsisi Maonga and Festus Duwe were rested for Stanie Davie and Lasulli Jali.
After regulation time, Silver Strikers won the capital city bragging rights.
In post match interview, head coach Peter Mgangira said he was excited to win the Lilongwe Derby but praises his boys for a game well played.
“We had a good game this afternoon, I am excited with the result i think the boys worked so hard for the result. We scored two quick goals in the first half that put us at a better position and saw us play our game well, i think the boys delivered a nice game that even the fans enjoyed,” said Mgangira.
After the match, midfield maestro Chimwemwe Idana was voted as the Man of the Match.
