Silver Strikers cruised to the final of the 2025 Airtel Top 8 after beating Civil Service United 2-1 in the semifinal match played at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
Goals from Nickson Mwase and a last-minute header from Emmanuel Allan were enough to propel the Central Bankers forward.
With this development, Silver Strikers will face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on the 12th of next month in the final.
The Lilongwe derby started on a slow note as both ends did not produce any threat to get a leading goal in the early stages of the match. At 36 minutes, Zebron Kalima was substituted for Stanie Davie.
The two sides went to half time goalless.
Eighteen minutes into the second half, the central Bankers snatched the lead through Mwase’s header when Chinsisi Maonga curled in a corner. The corner was a seventh one for the Area 47 based side.
We continued to pile more pressure but the opposite number kept a tight lead and showed determination as four minutes from time Peter Ng’ambi headed home a corner kick to level matters.
Following regulation time, the officiating panel added five minutes, during which Allan connected with an inviting cross from Dan Sandukila to restore the lead.
Just after the goal, referee Gift Chicco blew the whistle signaling the end of the match.
In a post-match press conference, head coach Peter Mgangira expressed satisfaction saying the boys put in some hard work and the win was what they needed.
“It was a tough match, we played with them some two weeks ago and they came to revenge for the win we had two weeks ago. We were indeed having difficulties to have a good play but we will work on the team and see how we tune up ahead of the final. This was a semifinal match and we should expect tough opposition,” said Mgangira.
The Central Bankers will now turn their attention to Wednesday as they host Karonga United at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
