Silver Strikers have taken a narrow advantage in the Airtel Top 8 quarter-final after defeating Moyale Barracks 1-0 in the first leg, thanks to a 9th-minute goal from Festus Duwe.
The match’s only goal came from a long throw-in by McDonald Lameck, which landed deep inside Moyale Barracks’ 18-yard area.
Duwe capitalised on a defensive lapse and easily slotted the ball home, marking his debut goal for the club and the tournament.
The goal would later earn him the Man of the Match (Dolo wa Match) accolade.
Below: Duwe’s goal (Source: FIFA+)
From the onset, Silver Strikers looked lively.
The midfield trio of Chimwemwe Idana, Binwell Katinji, and Duwe set the tone with crisp one-touch football that immediately put Moyale on the back foot.
Although the opening move came to nothing, it was a sign of Silver’s attacking intent.
In the 17th minute, Duwe linked up with Katinji, who played a one-two with Uchizi Vunga before unleashing a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target.
Despite Silver’s dominance, Moyale Barracks remained organised, especially after a water break in the 26th minute, which briefly interrupted Silver’s rhythm.
Emotions flared in the 34th minute when Festus Duwe was brought down by Charles Nkhoma, who was booked for the challenge.
Moyale made their first substitution on the half-hour mark, bringing on Ronald Kumwenda for Nadrick Nyirenda.
Silver nearly doubled their lead in the 37th minute, when Idana and Katinji combined again to slice through the Moyale defence, but the final shot was denied by the goalkeeper.
At half-time, Silver’s coach Peter Mgangira introduced Gift Chunga for Vunga, and the winger made an immediate impact with his pace and direct play on the left flank.
Moyale Barracks came out with renewed energy in the second half, but Silver continued to control possession.
Changes for Silver Strikers followed, with Stanie Davie replacing Katinji in the 57th minute, while Moyale responded by bringing on Bonface Chuma for Kashot Chimwemwe at the hour mark.
Chunga nearly added a second in the 68th minute with a curling effort that whistled past the post.
Though Silver Strikers created several promising chances, they couldn’t extend their lead.
As the match wore on, Moyale pushed for an equaliser, but Silver’s defence held firm.
A late clash between Levison Maganizo and Nkhoma briefly halted play in stoppage time, but it didn’t affect the outcome.
Speaking after the match, Silver Strikers coach Peter Mgangira admitted that his side missed several scoring chances.
“We didn’t play our usual game in the second half, and we missed many chances. But this 1-0 win gives us motivation going into the return leg,” said Mgangira.
Moyale Barracks coach Pritchard Mwansa said the result wasn’t a surprise:
“I had warned that it would be a tough game. We didn’t attack much, but the team played well. We’ll try to bounce back in the second leg.”
The return leg will be played on 17 May 2025 in Mzuzu.
This concludes the first leg of the quarter-final of the tournament, which has seen only two goals scored so far, with the other being Wanderers’ 1-0 win over Karonga United on 19 April at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Elsewhere in the Airtel Top 8 quarter-finals, on 26 April, Karonga United will face Mighty Wanderers. A day later, Creck Sporting Club will battle FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, and on 18 May, Civil Service United will lock horns with Mzuzu City Hammers.
