Same old story: Allan scores late as Silver strike Civil to reach 5th Top 8 Cup final

Silver Strikers have secured their spot in the Airtel Top 8 Cup final, triumphing over city rivals Civil Service United in a dramatic 2-1 encounter at the Bingu National Stadium. The Central Bankers, one of the most successful clubs in the competition, will now contest their fifth final, marking their third victory over Civil in the tournament’s history.

After a goalless first half, the second period exploded with action. Nixon Mwase put Silver ahead with a powerful header from Chinsisi Maonga’s corner. However, Peter Ng’ambi leveled for Civil just four minutes from time, setting up a tense finish. It was Emmanuel Allan who ultimately sealed the win for the Bankers in stoppage time, sending their fans into ecstasy.

The victory sets up another highly anticipated clash for Silver Strikers against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, marking their third meeting in a cup final. Their last Super League encounter before the international break saw the Bankers emerge 2-0 victors at Silver Stadium.

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For Civil Service United, the wait for their first-ever Top 8 Cup final continues. Silver Strikers have once again proven to be their nemesis in this competition. Civil’s last cup final appearance was in 2015, where they claimed the Standard Bank Cup by defeating Mighty Wanderers.

A tense semifinal showdown

The match began with both sides displaying cautious intent, the opening five minutes yielding little in the way of clear-cut chances. Civil, however, soon found their rhythm, looking the sharper of the two teams in the early exchanges.

In the 10th minute, John Dambuleni received a yellow card for a late challenge on Emmanuel Allan, highlighting Civil’s aggressive push. They continued to dominate the opening 15 minutes, with Blessings Malinda forcing a save from Silver’s goalkeeper George Chikooka.

Nickson Mwase was a rock in Silver’s defense, repelling numerous Civil attacks, while Silver attempted to counter through Festus Duwe and Zebron Kalima, though Civil’s midfield quickly reclaimed possession.

The tempo intensified around the 20-minute mark. Uchizi Vunga was booked for a rash tackle in the 24th minute, as Civil pressed hard. Charles Mafaiti came agonizingly close to opening the scoring, his powerful shot rattling the woodwork – a clear let-off for the Bankers.

Silver earned a corner just past the half-hour mark, but Civil’s resolute defense held firm. The first half concluded goalless, with Civil undeniably the better side, but Silver’s resilience keeping them in contention.

Emmanuel Allan wins it late for Silver in dramatic game

The second half kicked off with renewed vigor from both teams. Civil’s goalkeeper Blessings Juma was tested early, pulling off a reflex save from Chimwemwe Idana’s drive in the 50th minute, before briefly going down with an injury concern. Drama continued in the 55th minute as Damiano Kunje was cautioned for dissent.

Despite Civil’s fluid play, notably a moment of brilliance from Frank Chizuze, it was Silver Strikers who broke the deadlock. In the 63rd minute, Chinsisi Maonga’s perfectly delivered corner found the head of Nickson Mwase, who powered it home to give the Bankers a 1-0 lead, somewhat against the run of play.

Substitutions followed as both teams adjusted their strategies. Civil nearly gifted Silver a second goal through a Dambuleni almost-own goal, saved only by the upright. Lameck was booked for a foul on Khumbo Mhone, and the resulting free-kick from Malinda was comfortably gathered by Chikooka.

In a desperate attempt to salvage the game, Civil made a triple substitution in the 77th minute, bringing on Ng’ambi, Damba, and Banda. Silver looked to consolidate their lead, with Mwase receiving a booking and Innocent Shema coming on for Duwe in the 84th minute. But Civil weren’t done yet.

The equalizer arrived in the 86th minute: Peter Ng’ambi rose highest to convert a header from a corner, bringing the score to 1-1 and igniting the contest.

As five minutes of added time were signaled, the match seemed destined for penalties. However, in the 90+3 minute, Dan Sandukira’s delivery found Emmanuel Allan, who leaped majestically to nod home the winner, making it 2-1 for Silver. A late yellow card for Mtonga couldn’t dampen Silver’s celebrations. At the final whistle, it was Silver Strikers who jubilantly advanced to the Airtel Top 8 final.

Emmanuel Allan was deservingly awarded the Player of the Match.