Banda ‘dusts’ Ekhaya as Civil extend unbeaten streak to 10 games

Dastin Banda’s first-half strike proved decisive as Civil Service United claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Ekhaya Football Club at Civo Stadium, extending their impressive unbeaten streak to 10 games in all competitions and climbing to fourth place in the table.

The Servants’ clinical finish through Banda was enough to hand Ekhaya their second consecutive defeat in the second half of the season. Civil Service United now sit in fourth place with 27 points from 17 matches, while Ekhaya have slipped from fourth to sixth position with 26 points from the same number of games.

Both teams entered the fixture seeking their first win of the second round after disappointing opening results – Ekhaya had suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Mzuzu City Hammers, while Civil Service United played out a goalless draw away to Creck Sporting.

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The opening period saw Civil Service United gradually assert their dominance. Ekhaya created an early opportunity when Stanley Biliati delivered a corner into the box, but the hosts defended well to clear the danger.

Civil Service United responded with sustained pressure, winning several free kicks in promising positions. Damiano Kunje stepped up for one such opportunity, but Chikaiko Batson’s header sailed over the crossbar. Charles Mafaiti also tried his luck from 35 meters but missed the target completely.

The breakthrough came through Dastin Banda, who was perfectly positioned unmarked inside the six-yard box to convert Muhammad Biason’s assist. Biason’s earlier long-range effort had struck the upright, demonstrating the quality of Civil Service United’s attacking play.

The second period began with controversy as Ekhaya appealed for a penalty when Hernas Masinja went down in the box, but referee dismissed their claims and booked Masinja for simulation, much to the fury of Ekhaya officials.

Both teams made tactical substitutions as the game wore on. Ekhaya introduced fresh legs with Blessings Malinda, Kesten Simbi, and Samuel Rukura replacing Lovemore Mbeta, James Lumbe, and Stanley Biliati respectively. Civil Service United also made changes, with Chifundo Damba coming on for the injured Muhammad Biason.

The hosts continued to control proceedings, winning their fifth corner of the match through sustained pressure. Damiano Kunje delivered beautifully, but Chifundo Damba couldn’t find the target with his header.

As the match reached its climax, both goalkeepers – Rahaman John for Civil Service United and Joshua Waka for Ekhaya – produced crucial saves to maintain the scoreline, with the visitors desperately seeking an equalizer.

The victory sees Civil Service United maintain their excellent form and climb the league table, while Ekhaya will need to regroup quickly to arrest their recent slide down the standings.

Both teams will return to action after the FIFA International Break, with Civil Service United looking to extend their unbeaten run further and Ekhaya seeking to bounce back with their first win of the second round.