Substitute goalkeeper Richard Mwayira emerged as the hero for Civil Service United, saving two penalties to help his side eliminate Chitipa United from the FDH Bank Cup on Saturday afternoon at Civo Stadium. After a goalless 90 minutes, Civil prevailed 3-0 in the penalty shootout.

The match was a tale of two solid defenses, with both teams struggling to create meaningful attacking opportunities. The lackluster encounter highlighted the defensive strengths of both sides while exposing their offensive limitations.

Chitipa United were without their star striker Andrew Joseph, who has attracted interest from several TNM Super League clubs but was unavailable due to family commitments. Civil Service United also felt the absence of key midfielders Blessings Malinda and Moses Banda, who recently departed to join Ekhaya FC.

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Despite Civil showing some attacking intent in the first half, Chitipa’s defense held firm, maintaining their impressive record of seven clean sheets in their previous eight matches, having conceded just one goal during that period.

The match produced only two shots on target throughout the entire 90 minutes. Substitute Righteous Banda tested the goalkeeper with a long-range effort for Civil, while Chitipa’s Trouble Kajani registered their sole attempt on goal, also coming off the bench.

In preparation for the penalty shootout, Civil Service United head coach Abbas Makawa made a crucial substitution, replacing goalkeeper Rahaman John with Richard Mwayira specifically for the spot-kicks.

The tactical switch proved decisive. Chitipa United, taking the first penalty, suffered a nightmare shootout as Fahad Mtcheka, Lamson Sukali, and Dan Mywanga all failed to convert their attempts. Meanwhile, Civil Service United maintained their composure, with Righteous Banda, Precious Chipungu, and Emmanuel Muyira all finding the net to secure a 3-0 penalty victory.

Civil Service United head coach Abbas Makawa acknowledged the difficulty of cup football but expressed satisfaction with the result.

“Our opponents rarely ventured into our half, but we also failed to score during regular time,” Makawa said. “They have been consistent in their last eight matches, conceding only one goal, which shows their defensive strength. We are happy to progress on penalties.”

Chitipa United’s Kondwa Ikwanga attributed the defeat to fatigue from their long journey to Blantyre.

“Fatigue affected us after traveling such a long distance from Chitipa,” Ikwanga explained. “Penalties are always difficult, but missing our first penalty really set the wrong tone for us.”

Civil Service United advance to the next round of the FDH Bank Cup, while Chitipa United’s cup campaign comes to an end.