Civil Service United booked their place in the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Semifinals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.
After a goalless draw in the first leg, Civil came out of the game so determined to settle the tie early and they showed intent from the outset.
In the 9th minute, Precious Chipungu’s header narrowly missed the target following a cross from the far right.
Just a minute later, Civil broke the deadlock.
Dastan Banda slotted home after a well-weighted through ball from Blessings Malinda, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Mzuzu City Hammers nearly found a response in the 15th minute when Chimwemwe Chunga launched a threatening attack from the right, but his shot deflected just wide.
From the resulting corner, Civil goalkeeper Rahaman John, formerly a midfielder, punched the ball clear but suffered a minor injury in the process.
Moments later, Civil’s Khumbo Mhone received a yellow card for a dangerous foul on Mzuzu captain Yasin Rashid.
The visitors made their first substitution in the 23rd minute, introducing Samson Olatibosun in place of Samson Amos.
Civil responded with a sustained period of pressure.
Malinda tested the goalkeeper from distance, while Righteous Banda whipped in a low cross that lacked a final touch.
Their efforts paid off in the 36th minute when Muhammad Biason doubled the lead, finishing off another clever assist from Malinda.
Four minutes later, Malinda got on the scoresheet himself with a low, powerful strike from range that beat Eddie Jamu to make it 3-0 before the break.
Mzuzu emerged from the tunnel looking sharper in the second half but failed to convert their few chances.
In the 53rd minute, Biason missed an opportunity to bag his second from a Chipungu cross, and a quick counter from Mzuzu also fell flat as Isaiah Nyirenda’s pass to Olatibosun failed to connect.
On the 57th minute, Civil replaced Chipungu with Chikaiko Batison, while Mzuzu brought on Pearson Mbizi for Chawanangwa Mkandawire.
Just three minutes later, Jamu misjudged a ball into the box, but Civil failed to capitalise despite having three attackers in position.
Biason was substituted in the 69th minute, making way for Damiano Kunje.
A few minutes later, Peter Ng’ambi received a yellow card for a deliberate handball outside the penalty area.
However, Olatibosun’s resulting free-kick was saved by Rahaman John.
Mzuzu made another change in the 77th minute, replacing Gerald Ngwira with Moses Gwayi.
As the game approached stoppage time, Civil continued to threaten. In the 90+3rd minute, Kunje capitalised on a goalkeeping error to seal a 4-0 rout.
Blessings Malinda, who contributed a goal and two assists, was named Man of the Match.
Speaking after the match, Civil coach Abbas Makawa praised his team’s execution.
“We told the boys to finish the game in the first half. I just encouraged them to enjoy the match and create scoring chances,” he said.
Mzuzu City Hammers’ Team Manager, Lazarus Nyemera, said the 4-nil margin is an embarrassing defeat, but said their attention will shift to the local elite league.
Nyemera added that he first goal disrupted their game plan, hence the defeat.
Airtel Top 8 action continues on Sunday as Moyale Barracks host Silver Strikers, who lead 1-0 on aggregate thanks to Festus Duwe’s 8th-minute strike at Silver Stadium.
Defending champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have already progressed into the final four after a 1-0 victory (on aggregate) against Creck Sporting Club.
Karonga United are already there as they stunned Mighty Wanderers 2-1 on aggregate.
