Silver Strikers continued their dominance in the Lilongwe Derby after securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Civil Service United at Civo Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Innocent Shema netting the decisive goal late in the second half.
The match opened with high intensity, with Civil Service United showing early intent through Damiano Kunje’s set-pieces and Dastan Banda’s off-the-ball runs.
Captain Righteous Banda also came close in the sixth minute but fired off target from the left wing.
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Silver Strikers nearly broke the deadlock in the 8th minute when Emmanuel Allan’s strike rattled the post, a moment that shifted momentum to the Central Bankers after a slow start. Both sides continued to press aggressively, but clear chances remained limited as defensive lines held firm.
The first half produced cautionary moments, including yellow cards to Righteous Banda and Civil’s goalkeeper trainer, Joseph Dudu Kachule, for dissent.
Injuries to Charles Mafaiti and Khumbo Mhond disrupted Civil’s rhythm, with the latter forced off for Frank Chizuze in added time. The first half ended goalless.
The second half resumed with Silver Strikers introducing Festus Duwe and Charles Chipala, changes that immediately boosted their attacking organisation.
Civil had the best chance of the match in the 53rd minute when Yankho Billiat’s header hit the crossbar, with the follow-up from Banda cleared by Nickson Mwase.
Moments later, George Chikooka kept Silver Strikers in the match with a superb save to deny Dastan Banda’s powerful effort. Silver grew stronger as the game progressed, pushing Civil onto the back foot through Duwe, Chipala and Allan.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute. Substitute Felix Dumakude delivered a precise cross that found Innocent Shema, who rose highest to glance a composed header past Blessings Juma, sending the Central Bankers’ fans into celebration.
Despite late pressure and four minutes of added time, Civil could not find an equaliser.
The win means Silver Strikers claim the Lilongwe Derby bragging rights for the fourth time this year, reinforcing their impressive run in local rivalry fixtures.
Silver Strikers now have 47 points from 23 games managing 13 wins, 8 draws and 2 defeats. They are now third on the log with a game in hand to Mighty Wanderers and two games in hand to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Bullets and Wanderers are tied on 56 points with the former topping the chats for having a good goal difference.
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