Silver ‘Duwe’ with Civil to claim bragging rights in Capital City derby

The Capital City once again turned Blue and White on Sunday afternoon as Silver Strikers emphatically brushed aside city rivals Civil Service United with a clinical 2-0 victory in front of a raucous home crowd.

Returning to their fortress for the first time this season after a four-match road trip, the Bankers delivered a performance worthy of their pedigree — one filled with flair, fire, and fierce determination. First-half goals from the red-hot Festus Duwe and midfield maestro Chimwemwe Idana sealed the deal in a derby that was one-sided in everything but passion.

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The result lifts Silver Strikers to 6th on the TNM Super League log, as the defending champions slowly gather momentum after a modest start to their title defense.

With the crowd still settling into their seats, Silver made their intentions known. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Festus Duwe — fast becoming a cult hero among the Silver faithful — latched onto a clever assist from Chinsinsi Maonga and calmly slotted home his sixth goal since arriving from Ascent Academy.

It was a moment that sent Silver Stadium into a frenzy and laid down the gauntlet for what was to follow.

Civil Service United, who have looked anything but settled this season, came into the derby already bruised by three defeats — to Karonga United, Ekhaya FC, and Dedza Dynamos. Their only win had come against newly-promoted Blue Eagles. And their poor run continued as they failed to handle the tempo and intensity of their more illustrious neighbors.

Though Civil tried to respond, their chances were few and far between. Moses Banda came closest in the 15th minute with a fierce drive that forced George Chikooka into a top-class save.

Festus Duwe almost doubled his tally just minutes later after being set up by Idana, but Civil goalkeeper Blessings Juma produced a stunning one-handed stop to keep his side in the game.

However, Civil’s defensive disorganization was eventually punished. A breakdown in communication at the back led to a clumsy foul on Emmanuel Allan inside the penalty area. Up stepped Chimwemwe Idana, who made no mistake from the spot, calmly sending Juma the wrong way to make it 2-0 before halftime.

Civil tried to regroup after the break. Head coach Franco Ndawa made a flurry of changes, bringing on Chikaiko Batson, Dustin Banda, Frank Chizuze, and Thompson Magombo to inject fresh urgency into their faltering side.

Silver nearly added a third when Juma charged off his line only for Chinsinsi Maonga to beat him to the ball and send a shot agonizingly wide of the upright.

The Servants’ best chance came midway through the second half after a rare blunder from George Chikooka. With the goal gaping, Dustin Banda had the golden opportunity to pull one back but opted to pass to Chizuze, who had strayed offside — a moment that summed up Civil’s lack of killer instinct and awareness in the final third.

For Silver Strikers, this was a commanding third win of the campaign, coming after away triumphs over Kamuzu Barracks and Songwe Border United, and draws against Chitipa United and Mighty Wanderers.

Peter Mgangira’s men showed defensive composure, midfield control, and ruthless attacking precision — everything Civil lacked.

On the flip side, Civil Service United find themselves spiraling, with four losses in just seven outings. Their struggles continue to deepen, and the derby defeat — their 9th without a win in the last 10 — will sting the most.