Silver go down to Civo

A rejuvenated Civil Service yesterday halted Silver Strikers momentum in the TNM Super League with a 2-1 victory at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

It was the Bankers’ second defeat after losing to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers two weeks ago.

The defeat means the Bankers have failed to displace leaders FCB Nyasa Bullets who have 29 points from 14 matches.

Silver remain on third position from 14 matches with 28 points behind second-placed Chitipa United on second position. Civil Service moved from 11th to seventh place from 15.

At Bingu Stadium, the visitors settled and took the game to the hosts with some fluid attacking game.

Moses Banda, Lloyd Aaron, Chikaiko Batson and Binwell Katinji combined well to make inroads into their opponents’ territory.

It was no wonder when Civil Service got the lead after just two minutes into the game.

Aaron played a beautiful cross in the box and an advancing Katinji connected the ball into the net past a helpless Charles Thom.

Silver regrouped and gradually settled as the midfield of Zebron Kalima, Chikondi Kamanga, Tetenda M’balaka, and Patrick Macheso started to tick and keep possession.

Soon after, Maxwell Paipi shot over from a good position. Macheso had a chance to equalise but he shot wide.

Just when the referee was about to blow for halftime recess, the visitors scored the second goal through Luke Chima.

Stain Davie missed a good chance in the game in the 65th minute heading over the bar.

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Silver hitman as he squandered another chance a couple of minutes later shooting wide.

Civo coach Oscar Kaunda commended his charges for holding their nerves.

“It was a derby and the players were more motivated and they did a good job. We played well and scored two crucial goals,” he said.

Silver coach Pieter de Jongh said lack of concentration cost them the game.