A sixth-minute strike from Dastan Banda was enough to hand Civil Service United a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mighty WakaWaka Tigers in a TNM Super League fixture played on Saturday afternoon.
Fresh from a dominant 5-0 win over Songwe Border United, Civil carried their attacking momentum into the early stages at Kamuzu Stadium. It did not take long for them to assert control. After just six minutes of relentless pressure, Banda found space outside the penalty area and drilled a low shot past goalkeeper Sunganani Mponda, finishing off a move initiated by Blessings Malinda.
The visitors nearly doubled their lead moments later through Frank Chizuze, but Mponda produced an outstanding save before Alex Kambilinya cleared the rebound. Civil continued to press with intent, forcing Tigers into retreat for much of the first half.
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Tigers, who were coming from a goalless draw against Kamuzu Barracks, gradually began to settle. A long ball from Kambilinya in the 23rd minute nearly caught Civil off guard, leading to a near own goal from John Dambuleni, but goalkeeper Rahaman John reacted quickly to maintain the lead.
The hosts came closest to levelling late in the first half. Masambiro Kalua carved out two chances with pinpoint passes, first setting up James Tambwali who fired wide from close range, then releasing Precious Chiudza who failed to convert with the goal at his mercy.
Despite their resurgence, Tigers went into the break trailing.
The second half saw both sides creating chances, but neither managed to convert. Civil remained organized in defence, while Tigers lacked a clinical edge. Grayson Msowoya had a golden opportunity to equalize from a Kalua cross, but his header lacked power and direction.
In the closing stages, substitutions added fresh legs but did little to alter the scoreline. Civil earned a series of late corners and free kicks but could not extend their lead, while Tigers pushed for an equalizer, only to be denied by a disciplined Civil backline.
Dastan Banda, whose early goal proved decisive, was named Man of the Match for his overall influence in midfield.
The win cements Civil Service United’s growing reputation as one of the league’s most efficient sides, while Tigers will rue their missed chances and look to sharpen their attack ahead of their next outing.
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