Silver Strikers scored in added time to beat MAFCO FC at Champions Stadium on Saturday.
The Central Bankers recorded a win after a last-minute header by Nickson Mwase.
Head Coach Peter Mgangira made two changes to the side that played in Karonga, bringing in Binwell Katinji and Dan Sandukira.
Silver Strikers were the better side in the first 30 minutes of the match, creating numerous chances that were squandered.
At seven minutes, the Area 47 side staged its first attack as Festus Duwe took a one-touch to McDonald Lameck who crossed the ball into Binwell Katinji who missed the target by a whisker.
Maxwell Paipi started a move five minutes later and spotted Duwe at the centre of the pitch, who spotted no open space for a pass but opted to go for it himself thereby taking a shot to force a save from Christopher Mikuwa and win a corner.
Before the 20th minute mark, Binwell Katinji was fouled and we won a freekick few meters from the 18-yard box which Emmanuel Allan took but went over the bar.
The hosts had a moment of their own in the 24th minute when a well taken freekick forced George Chikooka to make a fantastic save.
The rest of the half failed to produce a spark that could have led into a goal until recess.
At the break, Stanie Davie was introduced for Allan.
Two minutes into the second half, Duwe controlled the ball with a deft touch and passed it to Katinji, whose cross found Stanie Davie, but his header went off target.
At 64 minutes another chance came as Katinji switched play to Sandukira, who played with Kalima then Davie who opened up Uchizi Vunga who had a shot but the effort went over the bar.
Lassuli Jali was introduced for Katinji at 69 minutes. Another change came at 82 minutes when Chinsisi Maonga and Felix Dumakude went in for Vunga and Kalima. Later on, Sandukira was pulled out for Charles Chipala.
The deciding moment came in the last minute of added time when Nickson Mwase headed home a corner by Maonga.
The goal was the last kick of the match.
After the match, First Assistant Coach Mapopa Kent Msukwa said his boys fought tooth and nail for the win.
“We need to thank the players for the win and the effort from the players. This was a tough encounter facing MAFCO just like it was in the first round. We have won today and these are the points that will help us solidify a good position at the end of the season,” said Msukwa.
With the win, Silver Strikers is now with 60 points from 28 games and remain third.
On Wednesday, the Central Bankers will welcome Mzuzu City Hammers at Silver Stadium.