No ‘lucky’ way through: Civil’s winning streak snapped by resolute Tigers

Civil Service United’s impressive four-game winning streak came to an abrupt end on Wednesday afternoon as relegation-threatened Mighty Tigers held them to a frustrating goalless draw at Civo Stadium.

The Servants entered the contest full of confidence having dispatched Blue Eagles, Mzuzu City Hammers, Kamuzu Barracks and Ekhaya FC in succession, but found themselves unable to break down a resolute Tigers defence desperate for points.

For the visitors, the stalemate extended their winless run to ten league matches—a dismal stretch that has seen them collect six defeats and four draws to leave them marooned in the relegation zone.

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Civil Service United controlled proceedings for long periods, with their midfield quartet of Thomson Magombo, Khumbo Mhone, Charles Mafaiti and Yankho Biliati dictating the tempo and creating numerous openings. However, poor finishing proved their undoing on an afternoon where the final ball repeatedly let them down.

Striker Chikaiko Batison came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute when he met Damiano Kunje’s inviting cross with a firm header, only to see his effort gathered comfortably by Tigers goalkeeper Lucky Tizola.

Mafaiti also went close with a thunderous free-kick from distance that cannoned off the crossbar, leaving the home fans with their heads in their hands.

The home side’s struggles in front of goal were epitomized by the performance of usually reliable striker Dastan Banda, who endured such a difficult afternoon that he was withdrawn in the second half.

While Civil dominated possession, Mighty Tigers defended with discipline and organization. Goalkeeper Tizola produced several crucial saves to deny the hosts, while midfielder Grayson Msowoya impressed with his tireless work rate and intelligent positioning, disrupting Civil’s rhythm whenever they threatened.

At the other end, Civil keeper Rahaman John was rarely troubled, though he was alert when called upon with two important saves to preserve his clean sheet.

POST-MATCH REACTION

Civil Service United assistant coach Charles Benson acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter: “We played against a good team. Tigers are running away from relegation, so they gave us a tough game. We substituted Dastan Banda because today he was not in good form. We believe we will finish in the top eight of the league.”

Tigers head coach Trevor Kajawa was satisfied with his side’s efforts: “Taking a point at Civil was a good result. Being in the relegation zone is worrying, but with nine games to play we can perform miracles—anything can happen in football and we will survive relegation.”

Civil Service United remain in fourth position with 37 points from 21 games and will be buoyed by their recent FDH Bank Cup progress, having reached the semi-finals where they face Silver Strikers after victories over Blue Eagles (3-1) and Mchinji Villa (2-1).

Mighty Tigers, meanwhile, remain rooted in the relegation zone with just 18 points from 21 matches. With nine games remaining, they face a battle for survival following recent defeats to Creck (2-1) and a 2-2 draw with Moyale.