Innocent Shema had to relive his 2024 memory as he headed home a Felix Dumakude cross four minutes from time to earn the Central Bankers maximum points over Civil Service United.
Last year, Shema scored the opener in a 0-2 league win at the same venue.
The win on Sunday sealed a four out of four record for Silver Strikers over Civil Service United this season.
The Area 47 side has managed to beat the Civil Servants in the first round of the league, the Airtel Top 8, and the FDH semifinals.
On Sunday, Emmanuel Allan was close to snatching the lead in the ninth minute when he combined well with Zebron Kalima, but his final effort bounced off the crossbar and went out for a throw-in.
Kalima and McDonald Lameck then came knocking, with each registering a shot at goal, but couldn’t get the lead.
At the break, Silver Strikers pulled out Dan Sandukira and Levison Maganizo and introduced Charles Chipala and Festus Duwe.
Ten minutes into the second half, Binwell Katinji was substituted for Felix Dumakude.
At 61 minutes, Dumakude came close to registering his name on the scoresheet when he received a backheel from Charles Chipala, but his effort went over the bar.
Kalima came off at 73 minutes, and Chinsisi Maonga came on. Ten minutes from time, Dumakude came knocking again when he played a one-two with Duwe, but Dumakude’s last touch was way away from the goal.
When everyone thought it would end in a barren draw, Innocent Shema scored to give his side maximum points.
The Central Bankers made one last change when Stanie Davie was introduced for Allan.
After regulation time, First Assistant Coach Kent Mapopa Msukwa praised his side for a hard-fought win saying they did a good job to secure maximum points.
“The players did a good job this afternoon. It was a 50-50 affair as our opponents played well and wanted a good result. This is a derby, and it’s not easy. We have won against them three times, and they didn’t want to lose, but we fought hard and scored a goal. As Silver Strikers, we still have a belief that the league is still open; we will just continue playing a game at a time,” Msukwa said.
With the win, Silver Strikers is still third with 47 points from 23 games played.
Next, the Central Bankers will host Kamuzu Barracks at Silver Stadium on Thursday.