Civil survive Mchinji Villa’s scare to set up Capital City Derby in FDH Bank Cup semis

Civil Service United survived a stern test from second-tier side Mchinji Villa FC, securing a 2-1 victory at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Wednesday to advance to the FDH Bank Cup semifinals.

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Damian Kunje opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark, but the visitors equalized through their dynamic attacker Shamiuna Watch late in the second half. Civil held their nerve to snatch a dramatic late winner through substitute Dastin Banda, who rocketed his effort into the roof of the net in the 90th minute.

The victory sets up a tantalizing Capital City Derby against Silver Strikers in the semifinals. Civil coach Abbas Makawa acknowledged the challenging path ahead, admitting his side will seek revenge against rivals who have already beaten them twice this season—in the Super League and the Airtel Top 8 Cup semifinal.

Unstoppable Civil Refuse to Surrender

When Mchinji Villa equalized with eight minutes remaining, many expected the tie to head to penalties. Civil’s technical team had begun preparing for a shootout, readying goalkeeper Richard Mwayila—hero of their last-32 victory over Chitipa United—for a potential introduction.

But the Servants had other ideas.

Civil started brightly, with Chifundo Damba nearly breaking the deadlock early on, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Villa goalkeeper Chisomo Yakobe. The keeper was called into action again moments later, thwarting Chikaiko Batison’s effort.

The breakthrough came when Kunje overlapped to meet Vincent Chinoko’s whipped cross from the left. Mchinji Villa protested vehemently, claiming the ball had crossed the touchline before Chinoko’s delivery, but the referee waved away their appeals and the goal stood.

Yakobe remained busy, producing another fine save to deny Righteous Banda’s header from Kunje’s corner kick. Civil dominated proceedings but needed to stay vigilant as Villa searched for an equalizer.

After conceding the leveler, Civil demonstrated their quality and championship mentality. They pressed relentlessly until Banda’s late heroics secured the win, extending their impressive unbeaten run to 15 matches—10 victories and five draws.

Attention now turns to upcoming Super League fixtures before the heavyweight semifinal clash with Silver Strikers.

Villa Show Promise Despite Lack of Concentration

This marked the second match for Abel Mkandawire since replacing Joseph Kamwendo as Mchinji Villa head coach. Based on this performance, the former Bangwe All Stars and Creck Sporting boss appears to be implementing his philosophy effectively.

Mkandawire’s debut came in a National Division League defeat to Red Lions, which he attributed to poor officiating. Against Civil, he cut an animated figure, standing throughout the 90 minutes and constantly communicating with his players rather than sitting on the bench.

Villa conceded two preventable goals but showed resilience in matching their top-flight opponents. Traveling supporters from Mchinji provided vocal support, injecting positivity despite the eventual elimination.

Few watching would have guessed that Villa currently sit second from bottom in the second-tier standings. They traded blows with Civil throughout, demonstrating commendable spirit.

After falling behind, Villa fought back admirably. Horace Banda nearly found Joseph Banda from a corner kick, but the header sailed wide. The visitors grew in confidence, forcing Civil goalkeeper Rahaman John into a smart save in the 35th minute.

Villa earned two corner kicks in the second half, but their inexperience showed as they failed to capitalize. The equalizer felt inevitable, and it arrived eight minutes from time when Shamiuna Watch latched onto a defense-splitting pass before beating John with a composed left-footed finish.

However, a momentary lapse in concentration proved costly. Civil pounced immediately, with Banda firing past Yakobe in the final minute to crush Villa’s dreams.

Despite the disappointment, Villa can take heart from their performance against the Super League’s most in-form side. They now refocus on their National Division League survival battle, armed with renewed confidence from this spirited cup display.